What is pneumonia?
A person with pneumonia has inflammation of the small air passageways in the lung, usually caused by an infection. The inflammation can block the flow of oxygen from the lungs into the bloodstream. The three main types of pneumonia include viral pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, and fungal pneumonia. About 1 out of 50 people in the US develop pneumonia each year.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Common symptoms of pneumonia include a cough, breathing difficulty, and fever. A person with pneumonia usually coughs up mucus or blood. Additional symptoms of pneumonia include weakness, chills, nausea, and chest pain.

How does the doctor treat pneumonia?
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the underlying cause. Treatment for pneumonia may include rest, plenty of liquids, antiviral medications, antibiotics, cough suppressants, bronchodilator medications for wheezing, and acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain and fever.