by Susie Mowers

Created on: May 09, 2008   Last Updated: December 15, 2008

What is Pneumonia (And how the heck do you say it?)
Pneumonia (pronounced nee-mow-nyuh) is a serious infection, or inflammation of the lungs. People suffering from pneumonia have fluid is present in the lungs, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. Lack of oxygen in the bloodstream means body cells are unable to function properly, making pneumonia a sometimes severe, fatal condition.

What Causes Pneumonia and Who Is At Risk?
Pneumonia can be caused by over 30 organisms, which makes pinpointing the actual cause of the virus sometimes difficult. It is usually caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, though it can also occur as more serious result of a viral respiratory tract infection.

Typically, seniors (65+) are most susceptible to pneumonia; however, any child or adult suffering from a condition that has weakened their immune system such as a cold, flu, or surgery is prone to pneumonia.

Symptoms of Pneumonia
Fever (as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
Cough
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing (wheezing, grunting sounds)
Fatigue and/or weakness
Bluish/gray color of the fingertips/lips (extreme cases)

Is There Just One Type?
There are many different types of pneumonia:

Bacterial pneumonia:
This most often occurs when the bacteria present in the nostrils and throat of healthy people multiplies and travels to the lungs. The spread of these bacteria to the lungs is normally made possible by a weakened immune system (like during a cold, or flu) or a lack of resistance. The infection starts at one of the lung's five lobes, filling it completely with infectious fluid (referred to as "consolidation"). The infection quickly spreads from the lobe to the bloodstream, eventually affecting the entire body.

Viral pneumonia:
Viral pneumonia is caused when a virus such as Influenza enters the body and attacks respiratory system. The virus invades the lungs and multiplies, though shows almost no trace of fluid in the lungs. Pneumonia as a result of a viral infection can be extremely severe, sometimes fatal.

Bronchial pneumonia:
Bronchial pneumonia (or bronchopneumonia) occurs when bacteria affects isolated areas of the bronchioles or pulmonary alveoli. It is usually contained within the lower respiratory tract.

Walking pneumonia:
Also called "mycoplasma pneumonia", this is a type of pneumonia caused by organisms that can't be distinctly classified as either bacteria or viruses (because they have characteristics of both). Mycoplasmas generally cause a widespread pneumonia,

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