About Pneumonia

The symptoms of pneumonia are very similar to a cold or the flu, but unlike these common illnesses, pneumonia is a serious medical condition that has the potential to be life-threatening. Together, pneumonia and the flu are the seventh most common cause of death in the United States and cause thousands of hospital stays each year. In 2002, 64,954 people died of pneumonia. (National Center for Health Statistics, 2005.)

Read on for more information, or click on a topic in the list:

What is pneumonia?
What are the symptoms?  
What are the causes?
How is it diagnosed?
How is it treated?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It can cause inflammation in one or both lungs and cause difficulty breathing. Because it has many different causes, the way pneumonia affects patients can vary, sometimes being mild and other times life-threatening. Pneumonia can affect both a healthy person and a patient who is recovering from other medical problems. People over 65 are particularly at risk.

Pneumonia can take many different forms and can be caused by a variety of germs. A typical symptom of pneumonia is a cough that brings mucus up from the lungs, as well as other symptoms similar to a cold or flu. Sometimes, pneumonia develops after a cold or flu, so patients may not realize they have it. Pneumonia caused by bacteria usually begins suddenly, while pneumonia caused by a virus may develop gradually and be less severe.

Some symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Fever higher than 101 degrees
• Chills
• Sweating
• Cough with brownish, green, or yellow phlegm
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness or fatigue
• Mental confusion

Patients with these symptoms should see a doctor promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment provide the best chance for a full recovery. For some patients, treatment at home is possible, but treatment at a hospital may be required if the patient has severe difficulty breathing, has a low blood oxygen level, cannot keep the antibiotics down, or has other medical problems.

Pneumonia can have a variety of causes, such as viruses and bacteria—even parasites and other organisms—that enter the body through the mouth or nose, or through infections already in the bloodstream. Typically, a person catches pneumonia by inhaling air particles containing the virus, bacteria, or parasite that causes the infection. Pneumonia can also develop after a cold, flu, or other illness through an infection that is already in the bloodstream. Aspiration pneumonia occurs after a patient inhales material, such as a food particle, that inflames the lungs.

Some patients are more likely to get pneumonia. The following factors may increase risk:

• Age 65 years and older
• Heart problems
• Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy
• Medication that weakens the immune system
• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse

To diagnose pneumonia, the doctor reviews the patient’s medical history and conducts an examination. The doctor may ask questions about other medical problems, use of medications, smoking habits, and whether the patient has had a vaccination for flu or pneumonia. During the exam, the doctor listens with a stethoscope for crackling sounds in the lungs. The doctor may also take a chest x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and look for complications.

Depending on the patient and symptoms, the doctor may also conduct more tests. By taking a blood sample, the doctor can identify germs, the amount of oxygen in the blood, or white blood cells counts. The doctor also may take a sample of mucus to determine what is causing the pneumonia.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations have determined that the following treatments are indicators of quality care for pneumonia:

• Blood culture taken prior to antibiotic
• Antibiotic within eight hours
• Oxygenation assessment within 24 hours
• Advice for smokers on how to stop smoking

More Information
Hospital Leaders can find more information about treating pneumonia in Best Practices for Pneumonia.