Pneumonia

Pneumonia is infection/inflammation of the lung parenchyma (alveoli/interstitium), classified by setting (community-acquired/hospital-acquired/aspiration) and pathogen (bacterial/viral/atypical/fungal). Clinical: fever, cough with sputum, pleuritic pain, dyspnea, crackles, infiltrates on imaging. Treatment: empiric/directed antibiotics; antivirals for influenza/COVID; oxygen; fluids; treat complications (effusion/empyema/ARDS); vaccination (pneumococcal/influenza) for prevention; supportive care.

Common Symptoms

Fever/cough/sputum; pleuritic pain/dyspnea; crackles/infiltrates; by pathogen/site

Causes and Pathogenesis

Bacteria/viruses/fungi infect lung parenchyma, causing consolidation and impaired gas exchange.

Treatment

Antibiotics/antivirals; oxygen/fluids; treat complications; vaccination prevention

Preventive Measures

Pneumococcal/influenza vaccine; hand hygiene; smoking cessation.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Infectious-disease department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.