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It started as a mild cough that Eli thought was just a persistent cold. After few days, he felt exhausted, his chest was hurting with every breath, and his fever would not go down. Worried, he booked an online appointment with a doctor through Cellmaflex, an online digital platform he came across through a social media post. During the visit, the doctor diagnosed Eli with pneumonia. Eli was shocked— he had heard of pneumonia before, but he never imagined it could hit so hard and so fast.
Read the blog to know what exactly pneumonia is, its types, symptoms, causes, risk factors and prevention.
Understanding pneumonia is important because early diagnosis and treatment drastically improve outcomes. Pneumonia can affect anyone, but certain populations, such as the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions, are more vulnerable. Awareness leads to better prevention strategies, timely medical intervention, and reduced mortality rates.
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs which is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pneumonia causes the lung tissue to swell and might also cause fluid or pus in the lungs. Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia, which often resolves on its own. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs. Pneumonia in both of your lungs is called bilateral or double pneumonia.
Pneumonia is categorised by which pathogen (virus, bacteria or fungi) caused it and how one got it.
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
If one gets pneumonia outside of a healthcare facility, it’s called community-acquired pneumonia. Causes include:
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
One can get hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) while in a hospital or healthcare facility for another illness or procedure. HAP is usually more serious than community-acquired pneumonia as it is mostly caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This means HAP can make a person sicker and harder to treat.
Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP)
A person can get HCAP while in a long-term care facility for example- a nursing home or outpatient, extended-stay clinics. Similar to hospital-acquired pneumonia, it is usually caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
If a person needs to be on a respirator or breathing machine to help breathe in the hospital (usually in the ICU), that person is at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The same types of bacteria as community-acquired pneumonia, as well as the drug-resistant kinds that cause hospital-acquired pneumonia, cause VAP.
Aspiration pneumonia
Aspiration is when solid food, liquids, spit or vomit goes down the trachea (windpipe) and into the lungs. If you can’t cough these up, your lungs can get infected.
Pneumonia can develop when the immune system attacks an infection in the small sacs of the lung (alveoli). This causes the lungs to swell and leak fluids.
Many bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause the infections that lead to pneumonia. Bacteria are the most common cause in adults and viruses are the most common cause in school-aged children. Common illnesses that can lead to pneumonia include:
Symptoms of pneumonia depend on the causes and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of pneumonia can vary by age. Babies, young children and older adults may have different symptoms.
Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia
Symptoms of viral pneumonia
Symptoms of pneumonia in young children
Newborn babies may not show any symptoms of pneumonia, or their symptoms may be different from adults, including:
Signs to look for in babies and young children include
Symptoms of pneumonia in adults over 65
Adults over 65 or those with weakened immune systems may have mild or less noticeable symptoms of pneumonia. Older adults may experience:
Several factors can increase the risk of developing pneumonia. Pneumonia can affect anyone. But the two age groups at highest risk are:
Children who are 2 years old or younger are at higher risk because their immune systems are still developing. This risk is higher for premature babies.
People who are age 65 or older are also at higher risk because their immune systems generally weaken as people age. Older adults are also more likely to have other chronic (long-term) health conditions that raise the risk of pneumonia.
Other risk factors include:
The healthcare provider may perform tests that look at the lungs for signs of infection, measure how well the lungs are working and examine blood or other body fluids to try to determine the cause of pneumonia. Tests include:
Preventing pneumonia involves a combination of vaccines, hygiene practices, and lifestyle changes:
Vaccination
Other ways to reduce your risk of pneumonia
In addition to getting vaccinated, one can reduce the risk of getting and spreading pneumonia with some healthy habits:
Cellmaflex is an all-in-one healthcare hub. Patients can sign up on Cellmaflex for free. Through Cellmaflex, they can search the directory to find the right specialist in a few clicks. Patients can easily view the doctors’ calendars and check their availability. With Cellmaflex, patients can book appointments with desired doctors with ease and receive appointment reminders.
Patients can receive their test results directly, access the test results and health records anytime, anywhere. Patients can order prescriptions with secure online payments.
Pneumonia is a significant health threat worldwide, but with awareness, understanding, and driven measures, its impact can be greatly reduced. Recognising the symptoms and understanding the types and risk factors are important steps toward early diagnosis and effective treatment. Emphasising prevention through vaccination, good hygiene, and healthy lifestyle choices can protect individuals and communities alike.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, early diagnosis and treatment is very important. Don’t hesitate—take control of your health today. Book an appointment on Cellmaflex and get the professional medical support you need to manage and overcome pneumonia.
Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.
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© 2025 RIOMED LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | WWW.RIOMED.COM
ISO 9001 | ISO 14001 | ISO 27001 | Cyber Essentials