Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a serious illness that, if left untreated, can result in serious, life-threatening complications. Because early treatment is the best way to prevent pneumonia complications, be sure you know the symptoms of pneumonia. Early detection can pave the way for a speedy, safe recovery.   So, what are the symptoms of pneumonia? For most, pneumonia symptoms are much like cold and flu symptoms, making... Read more >

Diagnosis of Pneumonia

With symptoms similar to those of colds, pneumonia usually starts out with a dry cough, general fatigue and headache. Within a few days, signs of pneumonia develop steadily, causing: chest pain fever muscle pains or aches yellow, green, clear or white mucus. If you start experiencing some combination of these symptoms, make a doctor's appointment for a proper diagnosis. What to Expect During a... Read more >

Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death by infection in America, killing approximately 60,000 Americans every year. Bacterial pneumonia, only one variety of pneumonia, is particularly dangerous because bacterial infections in infants, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems can cause serious complications or even death. Bacterial Pneumonia Causes Bacterial pneumonia, as the name implies, results... Read more >

Viral Pneumonia

A common disease of the lungs, viral pneumonia is not usually a serious health concern, and most people recover from the disease. However, viral pneumonia in children and the elderly is more serious, and, in the wrong circumstances, the disease can be life threatening. Viral Pneumonia Causes Viral pneumonia, one of the milder forms of pneumonia, generally causes far less severe infections than bacterial... Read more >

Walking Pneumonia

By definition, pneumonia is any kind of inflammation in the lungs. As there are many different types of pneumonia, not all are serious enough to require hospitalization or even bed rest.   So, what is walking pneumonia? Walking pneumonia is a type of lung inflammation with mild symptoms similar to that of a common cold. Not as serious as other types of pneumonia, this condition is labeled "walking"... Read more >

Atypical Pneumonia

While various types of pneumonia have different causes, all of them do trigger some degree of lung inflammation. Bacteria, chemicals in the air or any other inhaled irritant can all cause lung inflammation.   Although pneumonia has the potential to be a very serious and harmful illness, in some cases, it is mild and won't severely affect a person's day-to-day activities. By definition, atypical pneumonia... Read more >

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection diagnosed by listening to sounds in the chest and by taking chest x-rays that show evidence of lung congestion. Because bacteria, fungus and viruses can all cause pneumonia, symptoms and treatment for this respiratory condition depend on the precise cause of the condition. Main Causes of Pneumonia In most cases, pneumonia results from a bacterial infection in the lungs. Usually... Read more >

Treatments for Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a relatively common lung infection with various symptoms, causes and associated treatments. While are young adults with health immune systems are the least likely people to get pneumonia, anyone is susceptible to contracting this lung infection, especially during the flu season.   The precise course of treatment for pneumonia will depend on which of the following factors is the underlying... Read more >

Pneumonia Complications

Pneumonia is a type of lung infection usually caused by a virus, bacteria or fungus. While a pneumonia infection in one lung (lobar pneumonia) typically results in milder cases, bronchial pneumonia (affecting both lungs) is far more serious. Every year, while five million Americans receive treatment for pneumonia, over 60,000 die from this respiratory infection. An individual's risk of contracting pneumonia... Read more >

Pneumonia Risk Factors

In general, pneumonia is more likely to affect those who have weaker immune systems, especially adults over the age of 65 and young children who do not have fully developed immune systems. However, factors other than age can weaken people's immune systems and, as a result, put them at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Diseases-Related Pneumonia Risk Factors One of the main reasons that people's immune... Read more >

Prevention of Pneumonia

Understanding what causes pneumonia, as well as what puts people at a higher risk for developing this respiratory infection, is key to being able to prevent it. By following these tips, you and your family can avoid pneumonia infections. Easy Ways to Prevent Pneumonia While you can't control some of the risk factors for pneumonia, there are some things that you can do to minimize your risk. Prevent pneumonia... Read more >

Resources

Symptoms of Pneumonia Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (2008). Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved March 23, 2008, from the MayoClinic.com Web site.   MedicineNet, Inc. (2008). What are pneumonia symptoms? Retrieved March 23, 2008, from the MedicineNet.com Web site.   University of Maryland Medical Center (2008). Pneumonia. Retrieved March 23, 2008, from the UMM.edu Web... Read more >