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  What Is Pneumonia?
                                                  
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          Pneumonia
PneumoniaWhat Is Pneumonia?

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Pneumonia, caused by bacteria. Figure A shows pneumonia affecting part of the left lung. Figure B shows healthy alveoli (air sacs). Figure C shows alveoli filled with mucus.*Pneumonia, caused by bacteria. Figure A shows pneumonia affecting part of the left lung. Figure B shows healthy alveoli (air sacs). Figure C shows alveoli filled with mucus.*Pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both lungs. It causes the air sacs, or alveoli, of the lungs to fill up with fluid or pus. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi maycausepneumonia.Symptomscan range from mild to serious and may include a cough with or without mucus (a slimy substance), fever, chills, and trouble breathing. How serious your pneumonia is depends on your age, your overall health, and what caused your infection.Todiagnosepneumonia, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests such as achest X-ray. This information can help determine what type of pneumonia you have.Treatmentfor pneumonia may include antibiotic, viral, or fungal medicines. It may take several weeks torecover from pneumonia. If your symptoms get worse, you should see a healthcare provider right away. If you have severe pneumonia, you may need to go to the hospital for antibiotics given through an intravenous (IV) line andoxygen therapy.Some types of pneumonia can bepreventedby vaccines. Good hygiene andheart-healthy livingcan also lower your risk for pneumonia.what is pneumonia fact sheet
                                Fact sheet
      
                    
                                                                                                        What Is Pneumonia?
                                                                        

                                            
            This fact sheet describes pneumonia, including how it affects breathing, what causes it, and how it's diagnosed and treated.
      
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