Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can range from mild to serious. The severity of pneumonia depends on the type of infection, the person's age and overall health, and the bacteria or virus that caused the infection.
Types of Pneumonia
The three main types of pneumonia are bacterial, viral, and fungal.
Bacterial Pneumonia is the most common type and is usually caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, or Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. It is usually more serious than other types of pneumonia and can be life-threatening if not treated properly with antibiotics.
Viral Pneumonia is usually less severe than bacterial pneumonia and is caused by viruses, such as the flu virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or other viruses that can cause respiratory infections. Most cases of viral pneumonia can be treated at home with rest and fluids.
Fungal Pneumonia is a rare type of pneumonia that is caused by a fungus, such as Cryptococcus neoformans or Aspergillus fumigatus. It is usually found in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those taking immunosuppressive medications. Fungal pneumonia is usually treated with antifungal medications.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention:
- High fever
- Shortness of breath
- Cough with mucus
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- confusion
- Sweating
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should see your doctor. They will be able to determine whether or not you have pneumonia and prescribe the appropriate treatment.