Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms. It is characterized by inflammation of the lungs and airways, resulting in difficulty breathing, chest pain, and fever. The condition can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Pneumonia has a number of different names, depending on the cause and the severity of the illness. The most common name is pneumococcal pneumonia, which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is sometimes referred to as bacterial pneumonia, or simply “pneumonia.” Other bacterial causes of pneumonia include Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Legionella pneumophila.
Viral pneumonia is usually caused by the influenza virus, although other viruses can also cause it. It is sometimes referred to as “atypical pneumonia” or “walking pneumonia.” Fungal pneumonia is caused by fungi such as Aspergillus, Candida, and Cryptococcus. It is sometimes referred to as “mycoplasma pneumonia” or “fungal pneumonia.”
Finally, aspiration pneumonia is caused by inhaling foreign material, such as stomach acid, vomit, or saliva, into the lungs. It is sometimes referred to as “aspiration pneumonia” or “chemical pneumonia.”