(Information is provided for informational, not diagnostic purposes. Please consult a health care provider if you are sick.)

Pneumonia is a serious infection of one or both lungs. It occurs when fluid and damaged lung cells fill the air spaces in the lungs, causing difficult breathing.

Cause

Pneumonia can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, or anything that obstructs the bronchial tube, including a tumor, or an inhaled object like a nut or small toy. The obstruction traps bacteria, viruses or fungi, causing pneumonia.

Symptoms

• Cough- may include blood, or yellow or green mucous
• Chest pain
• Severe shaking chills
• Fever
• Shortness of breath
• General muscle aches As it progresses:
• Shallow, rapid, painful breathing
• Profuse sweating
• Increased heart rate
• Bluish skin

Treatment

Most people with pneumonia do not need to be hospitalized. Bacterial pneumonia is common and is usually treated with antibiotics. For non-bacterial pneumonia, doctors usually treat the symptoms.

Health experts usually recommend patients observe the following during recovery:

• Take all prescription medication prescribed by doctor
• Get plenty of bed rest
• Drink at least 8 cups of clear fluid each day
• Avoid a lot of dairy products
• Eat a high-calorie diet
• Use a cool mist humidifier
• Bathe in luke-warm water to reduce fever
• Use pain reliever as directed by doctor

The type of pneumonia and general health of the patient can affect recovery. Most people who get pneumonia recover fully, but it can be fatal in some cases, particularly in someone who was already sick, infants, and the elderly.

Prevention

Some bacterial pneumonia can be prevented by a vaccine given once. The vaccine does not prevent viral or AIDS-related pneumonia. A flu shot, received each year, can prevent one type of viral pneumonia. People at high risk should receive the shot and vaccination.