Pneumonia: Causes and Symptoms



A diagram of the human body outlining the key symptoms of pneumonia


Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lung affecting primarily the small air sacs known as alveoli.[4][13] Typically symptoms include some combination of productive or dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing.[2] Severity is variable.[2]
Pneumonia is usually caused by infection with viruses or bacteria and less commonly by other microorganisms, certain medications and conditions such as autoimmune diseases.[4][5] Risk factors include cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, heart failure, a history of smoking, a poor ability to cough such as following a stroke, and a weak immune system.[6] Diagnosis is often based on the symptoms and physical examination.[7] Chest X-ray, blood tests, and culture of the sputum may help confirm the diagnosis.[7] 

Pneumonia symptoms can be mild to life-threatening. They can include:
  • coughing that may produce phlegm (mucus)
  • fever
  • sweating or chills
  • shortness of breath that happens while doing normal activities or even while resting
  • chest pain that’s worse when you breathe or cough
  • feelings of tiredness or fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea or vomiting
  • headaches
Other symptoms can vary according to your age and general health:
  • Children under 5 years old may have fast breathing or wheezing.
  • Infants may appear to have no symptoms, but sometimes they may vomit, lack energy, or have trouble drinking or eating.
  • Older people may have milder symptoms. They can also exhibit confusion or a lower than normal body temperature.

There are several types of infectious agents that can cause pneumonia.

Bacterial pneumonia

The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other causes include:

Viral pneumonia

Respiratory viruses are often the cause of pneumonia. Some examples include:
Viral pneumonia is usually milder and can improve in one to three weeks without treatment.

Fungal pneumonia

Fungi from soil or bird droppings can cause pneumonia. They most often cause pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems. Examples of fungi that can cause pneumonia include:
  • Pneumocystis jirovecii
  • Cryptococcus species
  • Histoplasmosis species

Link: https://www.healthline.com/health/pneumonia#symptoms


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