Understanding Pneumonia: Types, Symptoms, and Severity
Pneumonia occurs when germs invade and multiply in the lungs, weakening the body's natural defenses. Many types of germs can cause it, leading to various forms like viral, bacterial, or atypical pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia often causes severe symptoms requiring bed rest. Walking pneumonia is a less severe form that doesn't necessitate bed rest. Hospital-acquired and healthcare-associated pneumonia are particularly dangerous due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Viral pneumonia typically presents with flu-like symptoms and often resolves independently. Atypical pneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, usually involves milder symptoms.
Pneumonia causes lung inflammation, swelling, fluid accumulation, or pus formation. Classifications include community-acquired, aspiration, healthcare-associated, hospital-acquired, and ventilator-associated pneumonia, depending on the context of infection.
X-ray presentations categorize pneumonia as lobar, bronchopneumonia, lobular, or interstitial pneumonia.