Pneumonia

Common Pneumonia Symptoms • • Coughing up greenish, yellow, or bloody • • Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, especially when you move around a lot • Feeling very • Loss of appetite • Sharp or stabbing • • Fast • Lips and fingernails turning blue • Confusion (in older people) Bacterial vs. Viral Pneumonia Symptoms Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia. Fungi and parasites can sometimes cause it. When the cause is bacteria, the illness can come on either slowly or quickly. It tends to be more serious than other types. When a virus causes your pneumonia, you’re more likely to notice symptoms over several days. Early signs will look like the flu -- such as fever, dry cough, Pneumonia Symptoms in Children When kids have pneumonia, their symptoms might be harder to spot. They may have: • Rapid breathing • • Fever • Cough • • Symptoms in babies might be vague, like fussiness or trouble feeding. Pneumonia vs. Cold and Flu Symptoms It’s tricky, because pneumonia can be a complication of Cold symptoms tend to start slowly. You’re more likely to The top clue that you have the flu is that the symptoms come on strong, seemingly out of nowhere. You may have: • Fever above 100.4 F • Headache • Severe aches and pains • Extreme tiredness • Dry, hacking cough These symptoms tend to ease up in 2 to 5 days, but you might have a mild cough or When to Call Your Doctor Call your doctor right away if you or your SOURCES: McNeese State University: “Cold, Flu, Pneumoni...

Most people start to feel better about two days after starting antibiotics, but it’s key to continue taking your medication until the prescription is complete, unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Signs Pneumonia's Improving and Timeline For Recovery While everyone’s recovery from pneumonia varies, you’ll likely be feeling better within a few days of starting treatment with antibiotics. • Within seven days: Your temperature returns to normal. • One month: You’ll be producing less mucus, and your chest will feel better. • Six weeks: It’s becoming easier to breathe, and your cough is resolving. • Three months: While you may still feel tired, most of the other symptoms will be gone at this point. • Six months: You should be back to normal. • Infants under the age of 6 months are typically hospitalized for pneumonia out of an abundance of caution. • Children over the age of 6 months are more likely to be treated at home, provided they are typically healthy. • Older adults may take longer to bounce back from pneumonia since our immune system naturally weakens the older we get, especially if you have a preexisting health condition. It’s also more common for the elderly and chronically ill to be hospitalized for pneumonia since the rate of complications and mortality increases for those over the age of 65. Why Does Recovery Take So Long? Almost everyone who comes down with pneumonia will ask themselves or their healthcare provider at least once, “Why does it take so...

Key facts • Pneumonia accounts for 14% of all deaths of children under 5 years old, killing 740 180 children in 2019. • Pneumonia can be caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi. • Pneumonia can be prevented by immunization, adequate nutrition, and by addressing environmental factors. • Pneumonia caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, but only one third of children with pneumonia receive the antibiotics they need. Overview Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake. Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide. Pneumonia killed 740 180 children under the age of 5 in 2019, accounting for 14% of all deaths of children under 5 years old but 22% of all deaths in children aged 1 to 5 years. Pneumonia affects children and families everywhere, but deaths are highest in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Children can be protected from pneumonia, it can be prevented with simple interventions, and it can be treated with low-cost, low-tech medication and care. Causes Pneumonia is caused by several infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. The most common are the following. • Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children....

Yes, certain types of pneumonia are contagious. Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Some of these germs are transmitted from person to person. However, not everyone will develop pneumonia when exposed to the same germs. It’s also possible to have pneumonia that can’t be transmitted to other people. What types of pneumonia are contagious? • • Streptococcal pneumonia • pneumonia caused by Chlamydia pneumoniae • pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) There are many Other viruses that attack the respiratory system can be contagious as well. Fungal pneumonia and Fungal pneumonia is caused by inhaled fungi from your environment. It’s not spread from person to person. The fungi that cause this type of pneumonia are usually found in soil. Aspiration pneumonia isn’t contagious because it’s caused by inhaling food or liquid into your lungs. This can happen in people who’ve had a Bacterial and viral pneumonia are the most common types of pneumonia. They’re both contagious. However, you can reduce your risk of developing these pneumonias by getting vaccinated and If you do develop pneumonia, effective treatments are available. A doctor will prescribe Viral pneumonia is contagious until you’re feeling better and have been free of fever for several days. Although antiviral medications are available, viral pneumonia may get better on its own or after a few weeks of Last medically reviewed on November 29, 2021 Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies ...

Streptococcus (pneumococcus), but other bacteria can cause it too. If you’re young and basically healthy, these bacteria can live in your throat without causing any trouble. But if your body’s defenses (immune system) become weak for some reason, the bacteria can go down into your You have a higher risk of getting bacteria pneumonia if you: • Are 65 or older • Have other conditions like • Are recovering from surgery • Don’t eat right or get enough • Have another condition that weakens your body’s defenses • Smoke • Drink too much alcohol • Have viral pneumonia People who have a weakened immune system also have an increased risk for bacterial pneumonia. These include those who recently had an Symptoms The symptoms can come on fast and furious, or they can creep up on you over a few days. Common symptoms are: • • • Chills that make you shake • Feeling like you can’t catch your breath, especially when you move around a lot • Feeling very tired • Low appetite • Sharp or stabby • • Fast breathing and heartbeat • Lips and • Confusion, especially if you’re older Prevention There are two kinds of shots for bacterial pneumonia: PCV13 ( • People 65 or older • Kids under 5 years • People who have a high risk of bacterial pneumonia PPSV23 ( • People 65 or older • Children older than 2 who have a high risk of bacterial pneumonia • People between 19 and 64 who smoke or have Talk to your doctor to find out if you or your child should get a shot. Besides getting shots, you can lower your ...