Diseases
pneumonia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms
- confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
- fatigue
- chest pain when you breathe or cough
- cough, which may produce phlegm
- fever, sweating and shaking chills
Causes
- bacteria. the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia
- bacteria-like organisms. mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause pneumonia.
- fungi. this type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic health problems
Risk factors
- children who are 2 years old or younger
- people who are age 65 or older
- chronic disease. you're more likely to get pneumonia if you have asthma,
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- chest x-ray.
- pulse oximetry.
- sputum test.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older), fatigue, chest pain when you breathe or cough, cough, which may produce phlegm, fever, sweating and shaking chills
What causes pneumonia?
bacteria. the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia; bacteria-like organisms. mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause pneumonia.; fungi. this type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic health problems
Which medicines are used for pneumonia?
amikacin, atovaquone, azithromycin, cefdinir, cefditoren, cefepime, cefotaxime, cefpirome, cefpodoxime, ceftaroline fosamil, ceftolozane-tazobactam, cefuroxime, clarithromycin, cloxacillin, enoxacin, ertapenem, gemifloxacin, levofloxacin, linezolid, meropenem
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