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Definition
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Many different organisms can cause it, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Alternative Names
Bronchopneumonia; Community-acquired pneumonia
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Pneumonia is a common illness that affects millions of people each year in the United States. Bacterial pneumonias tend to be the most serious and, in adults, the most common cause of pneumonia. The most common pneumonia-causing bacterium in adults is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Respiratory viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia in young children, peaking between the ages of 2 and 3. By school age, the bacterium becomes more common. In some people, particularly the elderly and those who are debilitated, bacterial pneumonia may follow influenza or even a common cold. People who have trouble swallowing are at risk of aspiration pneumonia. In this condition, food, liquid, or saliva accidentally goes into the airways. It is more common in people who have had a stroke, Parkinson's disease, or previous throat surgery. It is often harder to treat pneumonia in people who are in a hospital, or a nursing facility. See also:
Symptoms
The main symptoms of pneumonia are:
Additional symptoms include:
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Reviewer Info: Andrew Schriber, MD, FCCP, Specialist in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Virtua Memorial Hospital, Mount Holly, New Jersey. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 04/14/2008 |
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