Pneumonia is a common lung infection that can make breathing difficult and, in some cases, become life-threatening. It happens when the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid or pus. Each year, about ...

Understanding the Context

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. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia β€” Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatment of this serious lung infection.

Key Insights

Pneumonia can affect anyone, but the age groups at highest risk are children younger than age 2 and people older than age 65. "When we talk about pneumonia, we're referring to an infection in the lungs," says Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases specialist. Walking pneumonia is a mild bacterial infection that resembles a cold. It usually does not require bed rest or a hospital stay.

Final Thoughts

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. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Causes Many germs can cause pneumonia. The […] Symptoms The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, your age and your overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: Chest pain when you breathe or cough.