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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is infection and inflammation of the lung tissue. It can be bacterial, viral, fungal or caused by other pathogens, and its severity varies markedly.

At a glance

Quick facts

Category
Respiratory disorders
What it is
Pneumonia is infection and inflammation of the lung tissue.
Typical presentation
Cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue are common, but older people may mainly show confusion or deterioration.
Assessment
Clinical evaluation and sometimes chest imaging help confirm diagnosis; oxygen measurement and severity guide setting of care.
Treatment approach
Treatment depends on the likely pathogen and severity, and may include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, targeted antivirals or supportive treatment.
Key safety concern
Breathing difficulty, low oxygen, confusion, blue lips or signs of sepsis need urgent medical attention.

Names & terminology

Understanding the name

Pneumonia is infection and inflammation of the lung tissue. It can be bacterial, viral, fungal or caused by other pathogens, and its severity varies markedly.

Clinical reference

Clinical profile

Summary
CategoryRespiratory disorders
What it isPneumonia is infection and inflammation of the lung tissue.
Typical presentationCough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue are common, but older people may mainly show confusion or deterioration.
AssessmentClinical evaluation and sometimes chest imaging help confirm diagnosis; oxygen measurement and severity guide setting of care.
Treatment approachTreatment depends on the likely pathogen and severity, and may include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, targeted antivirals or supportive treatment.
Key safety concernBreathing difficulty, low oxygen, confusion, blue lips or signs of sepsis need urgent medical attention.

Overview

Pneumonia is infection and inflammation of the lung tissue. It can be bacterial, viral, fungal or caused by other pathogens, and its severity varies markedly.

Symptoms and presentation

Cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue are common, but older people may mainly show confusion or deterioration.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Presentation and warning signs

The pattern varies and cannot replace an individual assessment.

Clinical overview
Presentation
  • Cough
  • fever
  • chills
  • shortness of breath
Clinical assessment
  • Clinical evaluation and sometimes chest imaging help confirm diagnosis; oxygen measurement and severity guide setting of care
  • Interpret results with history and examination
When to seek urgent care
  • Breathing difficulty, low oxygen, confusion, blue lips or signs of sepsis need urgent medical attention.

Emergency symptoms and clinical severity should be assessed locally.

Clinical assessment and diagnosis

Clinical evaluation and sometimes chest imaging help confirm diagnosis; oxygen measurement and severity guide setting of care.

ASSESSMENT

How the clinical assessment proceeds

Exact investigations depend on the clinical context.

Clinical workflow
1Define the symptom patternCough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain and fatigue are common, but older people may mainly show confusion or deterioration.
2Assess disease or alternative causesClinical evaluation and sometimes chest imaging help confirm diagnosis; oxygen measurement and severity guide setting of care.
3Discuss care and monitoringTreatment depends on the likely pathogen and severity, and may include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, targeted antivirals or supportive treatment. Oxygen or hospital care may be necessary.

Treatment and management

Treatment depends on the likely pathogen and severity, and may include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, targeted antivirals or supportive treatment. Oxygen or hospital care may be necessary.

Treatment & care hub

Elements of care

Individual treatment is based on diagnosis, comorbidities and clinician assessment.

Management overview
Confirm diagnosisFirst step

Understand the underlying condition

Clinical evaluation and sometimes chest imaging help confirm diagnosis; oxygen measurement and severity guide setting of care.

Tailor treatmentIndividualized

Choose evidence-based management

Treatment depends on the likely pathogen and severity, and may include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, targeted antivirals or supportive treatment. Oxygen or hospital care may be necessary.

Monitor safetyImportant

Recognize warning signs

Breathing difficulty, low oxygen, confusion, blue lips or signs of sepsis need urgent medical attention.

Diagnosis→Tailored care→Monitoring

Complications and when to seek help

Breathing difficulty, low oxygen, confusion, blue lips or signs of sepsis need urgent medical attention.

EVIDENCE AND DATA

Interpreting population statistics

Comparable, disease-specific prevalence or incidence data have not yet been curated for this entry. No prevalence estimate is supplied.

MedlinePlus Health Topics ↗
Data availabilityNot quantifiedUse condition-specific epidemiology, not estimated figures
No unsupported regional or country comparison is presented.

Frequently asked questions

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is infection and inflammation of the lung tissue. It can be bacterial, viral, fungal or caused by other pathogens, and its severity varies markedly.

How is it assessed?

Clinical evaluation and sometimes chest imaging help confirm diagnosis; oxygen measurement and severity guide setting of care.

When should I seek urgent help?

Breathing difficulty, low oxygen, confusion, blue lips or signs of sepsis need urgent medical attention.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine — Pneumonia — health topic ↗

This is an editorial evidence summary awaiting independent clinician review. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a substitute for personalized medical care.