Pneumonia can occur in individuals of all ages, as it is a common lung infection. It is regarded as very serious, and can prove fatal if it is left untreated. The symptoms of the disease are typically more severe in youngsters, older individuals, and people with compromised immune systems.

The disease is essentially an inflammation of the lungs and is usually the result of a bacteria, virus, or fungus. It can occur in both lungs or only in one; however, the symptoms are generally the same. Some individuals refer to a "walking" variation of this infection, which is a phrase that simply means the inflammation is minor and the ill person may not exhibit obvious symptoms. There are two kinds of pneumonia, which are bacterial and viral, and the same symptoms occur regardless of which type one has contracted.

Symptoms of the infection may not appear until two to three weeks after its initial onset. The first signs that an inflammation may be present include fatigue, sore throat, coughing, and wheezing. Many individuals mistakenly think they have the flu when such symptoms present themselves, but as the inflammation progresses, they may also experience headache, loss of appetite, chest pain, fever and chills.

The disease can be diagnosed in several ways, including x-rays and blood tests. A doctor will also typically use a stethoscope to listen to the patient's lungs. These tests are completed to discover whether or not fluid is present in the person's lungs.

Antibiotics and pain medication are typically prescribed by the patient's primary care practitioner. Bed rest is generally very important, especially if the person is an elderly individual or a youngster. It is also essential to drink adequate amounts of water, as dehydration is common when one has this kind of infection.

It is possible for pneumonia patients to experience complications, including fluid buildup within the lining of one or both lungs or in the chest wall. If this occurs, further treatment is usually necessary. If the buildup of fluid is not removed from the patient's lungs, the infection may spread to his or her blood or other organs.

There are specific things that place individuals at a higher risk than others for this type of infection. These factors include excessive alcohol consumption, the use of tobacco products, diabetes, the abuse of illegal or legal drugs, and being age 65 or older. People whose immune systems are compromised or who have chronic condition such as AIDS are also at an increased risk for certain kinds of pneumonia. Those who suspect they may have this disease should seek the advice of a health care practitioner at once.