Pneumonia is a lung infection that a lot of people in the United States get sick from each year. It can happen to anyone, young or old, but it’s more common in older people and those who have health problems. Many people have to go to the hospital because of pneumonia. Even with good medical care, it’s still a big reason people must go to the hospital. This shows us that understanding and preventing pneumonia is really important. Even though doctors can treat it, lots of people still get it, which means it’s important to know about it and try to stop it before it starts.
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection where the tiny air sacs inside the lungs get inflamed and sometimes fill with fluid. This happens when germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi enter the lungs and cause an infection. It’s a condition that can affect one or both lungs.
Causes and Types of Pneumonia
Pneumonia has different types, and different kinds of germs cause each type:
- Bacterial pneumonia: this happens when bacteria get into your lungs. It’s a common kind.
- Viral pneumonia: this type is caused by viruses, like the ones that give you a cold or the flu.
- Mycoplasma pneumonia: this kind is caused by mycoplasma, which are like tiny bacteria. It’s often milder than other types.
- Fungal pneumonia: this type comes from breathing in certain types of fungus from the environment. It’s more common in people with weaker immune systems.</li
- Aspiration Pneumonia: this happens when you accidentally breathe in food, liquid, or spit into your lungs.
- Hospital-acquired pneumonia: you can get this type when you’re in the hospital for something else. It can be serious because the germs in hospitals can be more resistant to medicine.
- Community-acquired pneumonia: This is when you catch the condition in your daily life, like at school or work. It’s the most usual kind.
Each type has a different cause, but as you can see, they all affect the lungs. Continue reading on the next page and discover, among others, how you can recognize pneumonia and how to treat it.
