Understanding Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common lung infection that can range from mild to severe, affecting people of all ages. Understanding what causes pneumonia, how it spreads, and the symptoms to watch for can help you seek timely care and reduce your risk. Learn more about how to recognize and manage this important health concern.

Pneumonia is a common yet potentially serious infection that affects the lungs. It can impact people of all ages, but is especially concerning for young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive overview of pneumonia, including its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening, depending on the cause and the patient’s overall health.

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of organisms, including:

• Bacteria: The most common cause in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila, can also cause pneumonia.
• Viruses: Influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and coronaviruses (including COVID-19) are frequent viral causes.
• Fungi: Fungal pneumonia is less common and usually affects people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause, age, and overall health of the individual, but common signs include:

• Cough (with or without mucus)
• Fever and chills
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (especially in children)
• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (especially in older adults)

Who is at Risk?

Certain groups are at higher risk for developing pneumonia:

• Infants and young children
• Adults over 65 years old
• People with chronic diseases (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Smokers

Prevention Strategies

Preventing pneumonia is possible through several measures:

• Vaccination: Vaccines are available for some types of pneumonia, such as pneumococcal and influenza vaccines. These are especially important for high-risk groups.
• Good Hygiene: Regular handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals can reduce the risk of infection.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can strengthen the immune system.
• Managing Chronic Conditions: Proper management of underlying health issues can lower the risk of pneumonia.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If pneumonia is suspected, a healthcare provider may perform a physical exam, chest X-ray, and laboratory tests (such as blood tests or sputum analysis) to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the cause:

• Bacterial pneumonia: Treated with antibiotics.
• Viral pneumonia: Managed with supportive care (rest, fluids, fever reducers); antiviral medications may be used in some cases.
• Fungal pneumonia: Treated with antifungal medications.

Most people recover with appropriate treatment, but severe cases may require hospitalization, oxygen therapy, or intensive care.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek medical care if you or a loved one experiences:

• Difficulty breathing
• Persistent high fever
• Chest pain
• Confusion or lethargy
• Symptoms that worsen or do not improve with time

Early intervention can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that requires prompt attention. Understanding its causes, recognizing symptoms, and taking preventive measures can help protect yourself and those around you. If you suspect pneumonia, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

This article first appeared in the November 2025 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.