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View DoctorsPneumonia is an infection in the lungs that leads to inflammation and fluid buildup. It is caused by either bacteria, a virus or fungi. Pneumonia makes breathing difficult and can cause a cough with mucus and a high temperature. Pneumonia can affect both lungs, called bilateral or double pneumonia, or just one lung.
Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia and is likely to require a stay in hospital. It must be treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia doesn’t normally need treatment and resolves itself.
There are several different types of pneumonia, categorized by the pathogen that has caused it, and how it was acquired.
Pneumonia isn’t contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause it are.
Community-acquired pneumonia
If you get pneumonia outside of a healthcare setting, it is referred to as community-acquired pneumonia. Causes of community-acquired pneumonia include:
Hospital-acquired pneumonia
Hospital-acquired pneumonia is acquired within a healthcare setting whilst you are being treated/seen for a different illness or procedure. It is usually more serious than community-acquired pneumonia as it is likely to be caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This makes it harder to treat.
Healthcare-associated pneumonia
This type of pneumonia is usually acquired while in a healthcare facility long-term and is usually caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia
People using a respirator or breathing machine in hospital are at risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. It can be caused by the same bacteria as community-acquired pneumonia, or by the antibiotic resistant bacteria that cause hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Aspiration pneumonia
If food, liquids, vomit or spit go down your windpipe and into the lungs, it can cause an infection.
The symptoms of pneumonia can be similar to those of a cold or the flu, so only a doctor can diagnose it. Pneumonia can be very serious, so always seek medical attention if you have any of the following concerning symptoms of pneumonia:
Other signs and symptoms of pneumonia depend on the cause and can vary greatly in severity.
Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia may be sudden or appear gradually, and may include:
Symptoms of viral pneumonia usually appear over the course of a few days. The symptoms may be similar to bacterial pneumonia, but might also include:
In older adults, or people with weakened immune systems, symptoms may be mild or symptoms of other health conditions may appear to worsen.
People at an increased risk of getting pneumonia include:
To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will discuss your medial history and perform a physical exam. This will include listening to your lungs and performing other tests, such as an imaging test, like an X-ray, a pulse oximetry, which checks the oxygen levels in the blood, and sputum tests.
Sometimes, a bronchoscopy is needed, which involves inserting a thin tube with a camera and light on the end to look inside the lungs. It can also take a sample of tissue or fluid to help determine the cause of your pneumonia.
Treatment for pneumonia will depend on whether it is caused by a bacteria, virus or fungi. Often, as the cause can’t be determined, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.
Pneumonia treatment may include:
There are many causes and symptoms of pneumonia, but never ignore the warning signs. If you experience mucus when you cough, a high fever, shortness of breath or chest pain, always seek medical attention.
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This page has been reviewed by a medical professional from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. Information on this page is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition.
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