Pneumonia is an infection of the lung. And it can vary from a mild case to a life-threatening or fatal disease. CAP may be caused by either a virus or bacteria. The most common forms are due to streptococcus pneumoniae and hemophilus influenzae. Pneumonia is a challenging infection for patients.
Some people simply feel ill, have a cough and fever.
Others complain of fatigue, chest or back pain. Still others notice a heavy feeling in the chest or difficulty breathing. People may be confused by the doctor's remarks. Pneumonia also presents challenges for family physicians. In the office, it can be difficult to distinguish between bronchitis and pneumonia.