Pneumonia

Inflammation in Pneumonia

• Inflammation primarily occurs in the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs during pneumonia.

Common Causes of Pneumonia

• Pneumonia can be caused by various pathogens, including:
  • Bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae)
  • Viruses (e.g., influenza, COVID-19)
  • Fungi (e.g., Aspergillus)
  • Aspiration of food, liquids, or other substances into the lungs.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

• A common symptom of pneumonia includes a persistent cough, often accompanied by purulent sputum (mucus).

Diagnosis of Pneumonia

• Diagnosis is often confirmed through chest X-rays or CT scans, which show lung opacity, indicating infection or inflammation.

Risk Factors for Pneumonia

• Key risk factors include:
  • Age (very young or elderly)
  • Presence of chronic diseases (e.g., COPD, heart disease)
  • Smoking history
  • Immune system compromise (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy).