Definition of Pneumonia:
Pneumonia itself is described as an inflammation of the lungs (specifically the lung tissue and alveoli). Besides inflammation (consolidation), there is also involved exudate (or filling of the lungs with fluid).
Symptoms of Pneumonia:
Typical symptoms of pneumonia include production of sputum, chills, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Causes of Pneumonia:
Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria (Bacterial Pneumonia), viruses (Viral Pneumonia), fungi (Fungal Pneumonia), or parasites (Parasitic Pneumonia). In some cases the cause may be unknown (idiopathic).
Treatment of Pneumonia:
The treatment will depend on the cause of the pneumonias. In bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics will be used depending on the causative organisms.
Antibiotics can also be used in preventing bacterial pneumonia from developing in a patient that already has a viral pneumonia. Antiviral can help in the treatment of viral pneumonias.