Pneumonia

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs most often caused by infection with bacteria or a virus. Pneumonia can make it hard to breathe because the lungs have to work harder to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of pneumonia caused by bacteria often begin suddenly and may follow an upper respiratory infection, such as influenza (flu) or a cold. Common symptoms include fever, a cough that often produces colored mucus (sputum) from the lungs, and rapid, often shallow breathing.

Older adults may have different, fewer, or milder symptoms. The major sign of pneumonia in older adults may be a change in how well they think (confusion or delirium) or a worsening of a lung disease they already have.

Symptoms of pneumonia not caused by bacteria (nonbacterial) include fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and there may be little mucus production.

Antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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