Causes

Bacteria – streptococcus pneumonia.
Viruses – Influenza
Fungi – pneumonia caused by fungi is the least common.

Other type include Hospital Acquired Pneumonia, Long Term Care Facility Acquired Pneumonia and Aspiration Pneumonia.

Symptoms of Bacterial Pneumonia

1. High fever.
2. Tiredness.
3. Trouble in breathing.
4. Sweating.
5. Chill.
6. Cough with mucus.
7. Chest pain.
8. Loss of appetite.
9. Confused mental state.

Symptoms of Viral Pneumonia

1. Fever.
2. Dry cough
3. Headache.
4. Sore throat
5. Loss of appetite.
6. Muscle pain.
7. Weakness.

Complications of Pneumonia

1. Breathing difficulties.
2. Fluid build up in the lungs.
3. Bacteria in blood stream also known as bacteremia.
4. Lung Abscess.

Diagnosis

Doctor will do through exam.

1. Ask about health history and conduct a physical exam.
2. Listen to lungs with stethoscope.
3. Order a chest x-ray.
4. Conduct pulse oximetry to measure oxygen level.
5. Order blood test and mucus test to determine type of infection.

Treatment

1. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics along with medicines to relieve pain and lower fever.
2. Antifungal medication if fungus is cause of pneumonia.
3. Antibiotics are not used in viral pneumonia. There are no treatment for viral pneumonia.

When would you need to be hospitalized for pneumonia?

In case your pneumonia is more severe, hospital treatment may include:

1. Oxygen
2. Fluids, antibiotics
3. Breathing treatment and exercise to help loosen mucus.

Various ways to prevent pneumonia

1. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoking.
2. Washing your hands before eating, before handling food, after using rest room.
3. Avoid being
4. Not touching or sharing objects that are shared with others.
5. Eating a healthy diet, exercise and get enough rest.
6. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.