ICU-USA

Definition

Pneumonia is an infection in the lung(s).

Causes

Many types of germs cause pneumonia including bacteria, viruses, fungi and others.

Treatment

Many types of pneumonia are successfully treated with antibiotics. Patients with severe forms of pneumonia may require insertion of a breathing (endotracheal) tube and use of a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator).

Comments

Pneumonia is a common condition from which most people recover. Pneumonia can be very serious and especially when combined with other diseases or injuries can lead to death. Two terms that have no formal or technical medical meaning are commonly used outside the medical community to describe pneumonia. While they are not commonly used within the medical community, they are explained here for clarification purposes. "Walking pneumonia" implies a less serious form of pneumonia that is frequently treated at home (outpatient). "Double pneumonia" implies a more serious form of pneumonia involving multiple parts of one or both lungs. It is most frequently treated in the hospital (inpatient).

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