Chest infection recovery time

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It causes the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs to get inflamed (irritated and swollen). They may fill up with fluid or pus.

This causes a variety of symptoms, which range from mild to severe.

Signs that pneumonia is improving

Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria or a virus. It also can be caused by fungi or irritants that you breathe into your lungs. How serious pneumonia is depends on many factors. These include what caused the pneumonia, your age, and your overall health.

Symptoms of pneumonia

Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Pneumonia treatment

Viral pneumonia when to go to hospital

Is pneumonia deadly

What not to do when you have pneumonia

How long does pneumonia last

This depends on your risk factors and the type of pneumonia you have. Common symptoms are similar to the symptoms caused by a cold or the flu. They include:

• cough
• fever
• bringing up mucus when you cough
• difficulty breathing
• chills
• chest pain

You may also sweat, have a headache, and feel very tired.

Some people also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If any of these symptoms are severe, call your family doctor. You should also call your doctor if you suddenly start getting worse after hav

should you be hospitalised with pneumonia

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