Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation and buildup of mucus,
pus and/or fluid in the lungs. It affects millions of people worldwide
each year. Pneumonia itself is not considered contagious. However, the
infection that causes the pneumonia can be.
There are three types of pneumonia:
Community-acquired pneumonia develops in people who are not and have not recently been in a hospital
or other healthcare facility.
Hospital-associated pneumonia develops from bacteria that are common in healthcare settings or during
certain procedures.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia develops after being on a ventilator (a machine that supports breathing).
What are the Causes?
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses and/or fungi that get into your lungs.
This can happen when:
Breathing in droplets from an infected person's cough or sneeze
Touching something that an infected person coughed or sneezed on and then
touching your mouth, nose or eyes
Having a bacterial infection somewhere else in your body, which spreads
to your lungs through your blood
Bacteria in food, liquid, stomach acid or saliva that is inhaled into the lung
Irritation and inflammation that results from material, such as blood or
a foreign body, being inhaled into the lung, which can lead to an infection
What are the Signs and Symptoms?
Fever or chills
Cough
Altered mental status (confusion)
Shortness of breath or wheezing
Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing
Tiredness, muscle aches
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
What Increases the Risk?
The following factors may make you more likely to develop pneumonia:
Having ongoing medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, heart disease,
liver disease or diabetes
Weakened body defense system (immune system)
Not cleaning your teeth and gums well
65 years or older; 5 years or younger
Having trouble swallowing (aspirating)
Using a feeding or breathing tube
Living in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home
Being near certain animals or traveling to places where germs that cause
pneumonia are present
Having been hospitalized for two or more days in the past three months
Using tobacco products
What are the Treatments?
Treatment for this condition depends on many factors, such as the cause
of your pneumonia, your medicines and other medical conditions you may
have. Diagnosis of pneumonia will include a chest X-ray and a sample of
mucus (culture) from your throat or blood to find out what type of infection
is in your lungs. Treatment can include:
Antibiotics or antivirals
Oxygen therapy would be given only if necessary
Can Pneumonia be Prevented?
Yes, pneumonia can be prevented by following these steps:
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If
soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
Maintaining good oral hygiene: brush twice daily for at least two minutes
and get regular dental checkups.
Getting your influenza vaccine every year and pneumonia vaccine as recommended.
Ask your healthcare provider for more details.
Limiting contact with cigarette smoke. If you smoke, make all efforts to
quit. Seek a healthcare provider for assistance.
Leading a healthy lifestyle with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.
What else can be done to Prevent Pneumonia?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that usually causes
mild, cold-like symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends RSV vaccines for adults ages 60 to 74 years who are at
risk of severe RSV and everyone 75 years and older. Please discuss vaccine
options with your healthcare provider.
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