Symptoms
The most common symptom of pneumonia is a cough, which may produce phlegm or mucus. Other symptoms include fever, chills, chest pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will diagnose pneumonia based on your symptoms, physical examination, and medical history. Your doctor may also order imaging tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, to look for signs of pneumonia. A sample of your sputum may also be taken for laboratory testing.
Types of pneumonia
There are several types of pneumonia, including bacterial, viral, and fungal. Bacterial pneumonia is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae. Viral pneumonia is caused by viruses such as the flu virus or the respiratory syncytial virus. Fungal pneumonia is caused by fungi such as Aspergillus or Cryptococcus.
Treatment
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia you have. Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia is usually treated with antiviral medications. Fungal pneumonia is usually treated with antifungal medications. In some cases, supportive care such as supplemental oxygen or intravenous fluids may be needed.