Some causes are associated with classic, but non-specific, clinical characteristics. īacterial and viral cases of pneumonia usually result in similar symptoms.
More severe signs and symptoms in children may include blue-tinged skin, unwillingness to drink, convulsions, ongoing vomiting, extremes of temperature, or a decreased level of consciousness. In addition, a cough is frequently absent in children less than 2 months old. Fever is not very specific, as it occurs in many other common illnesses and may be absent in those with severe disease, malnutrition or in the elderly. The typical signs and symptoms in children under five are fever, cough, and fast or difficult breathing. In elderly people, confusion may be the most prominent sign. People with infectious pneumonia often have a productive cough, fever accompanied by shaking chills, shortness of breath, sharp or stabbing chest pain during deep breaths, and an increased rate of breathing. Pneumonia often shortens the period of suffering among those already close to death and has thus been called "the old man's friend". Nevertheless, pneumonia remains a leading cause of death in developing countries, and also among the very old, the very young, and the chronically ill. With the introduction of antibiotics and vaccines in the 20th century, survival has greatly improved. Įach year, pneumonia affects about 450 million people globally (7% of the population) and results in about 4 million deaths. Oxygen therapy may be used if oxygen levels are low. If the pneumonia is severe, the affected person is generally hospitalized. Pneumonia believed to be due to bacteria is treated with antibiotics. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Other methods of prevention include hand washing to prevent infection, not smoking, and social distancing. Vaccines to prevent certain types of pneumonia (such as those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, linked to influenza, or linked to COVID-19) are available.
Risk factors for pneumonia include cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sickle cell disease, asthma, diabetes, heart failure, a history of smoking, a poor ability to cough (such as following a stroke), and a weak immune system. The disease may be classified by where it was acquired, such as community- or hospital-acquired or healthcare-associated pneumonia. Chest X-rays, blood tests, and culture of the sputum may help confirm the diagnosis. Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and physical examination. Identifying the responsible pathogen can be difficult. Pneumonia is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria, and less commonly by other microorganisms. The severity of the condition is variable.
Symptoms typically include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung primarily affecting the small air sacs known as alveoli. Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever Ĭystic fibrosis, COPD, sickle cell disease, asthma, diabetes, heart failure, history of smoking, very young age, older age ĬOPD, asthma, pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolism Īntibiotics, antivirals, oxygen therapy
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