Pneumonia (cont.)
Conclusions
Pneumonia can be a serious and life-threatening infection. This is true especially in the elderly, children, and those that have other serious medical problems, such as COPD, heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Fortunately, with the discovery of many potent antibiotics, most cases of pneumonia can be successfully treated. In fact, pneumonia can usually be treated with oral antibiotics without the need for hospitalization.
- Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by
different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Symptoms of pneumonia include cough with sputum
production, fever, and sharp chest pain on inspiration (breathing in).
- Pneumonia is suspected when a doctor hears abnormal
sounds in the chest, and the diagnosis is confirmed by a chest x-ray.
- Bacteria causing pneumonia can be identified by sputum
culture.
- A pleural effusion is a fluid collection around the
inflamed lung.
- Bacterial and fungal (but not viral)
pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics.
Last Editorial Review: 4/7/2008
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