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, causing cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. **Pneumonia is Different from Bronchitis:** - **Bronchitis:** Infection of airways (bronchial tubes) - usually milder - **Pneumonia:** Infection of the lungs themselves - more serious **Types of Pneumonia:** **1. Bacterial Pneumonia:** - Most common type requiring antibiotics - Often follows a viral respiratory infection - Streptococcus pneumoniae is most common cause **2. Viral Pneumonia:** - Caused by flu, RSV, COVID-19, and other viruses - Usually milder than bacterial - Antibiotics don't help (unless bacterial superinfection) **3. Walking Pneumonia (Mycoplasma):** - Milder form, often doesn't require bed rest - Common in school-age children and young adults **4. Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia:** - Develops during hospital stay - Often more serious and antibiotic-resistant **Warning:** Pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions.

**How do you get pneumonia?** 1. **Aspiration:** Breathing in bacteria from mouth/throat (common) 2. **Inhalation:** Breathing in airborne bacteria or viruses 3. **Blood spread:** Infection spreading from elsewhere in body **Why the lungs get infected:** Normally, your body's defenses keep germs out of lungs. Pneumonia occurs when: - A large number of germs overwhelm defenses - Immune system is weakened - Lungs are already damaged (COPD, smoking) - Aspiration occurs (especially during sleep, sedation) **Pneumonia often follows:** - Common cold or flu - COVID-19 - RSV infection - Measles or chickenpox - Surgery or hospitalization - Being on a ventilator **High-Risk Groups:** - Adults 65 and older - Children under 2 - People with chronic conditions (COPD, asthma, heart disease, diabetes) - Smokers - Immunocompromised individuals - Those in hospitals or nursing homes