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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a condition in which segments in one of both lungs become inflamed and is usually caused by an infection. However, it may also be caused by a blockage in the lung from an inhaled piece of food or vomit, or by inhaling irritants such as petrol or kerosene fumes.

The condition affects around 1 in every 100 people in the UK every year, with babies and people over 65 more susceptible to the disease. Although the majority of pneumonia cases may be treated effectively, it can be a serious illness for the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.

In this section, you'll find a guide to the causes and symptoms of pneumonia, along with information on how it may be diagnosed and treated.

Causes
How pneumonia develops and the factors that increase the risk of developing the condition ...
Symptoms
Painful cough, breathlessness, chest pain, fever, fatigue and green, yellow or blood-stained phlegm ...
Diagnosis
Using physical examinations, chest X-rays, blood tests and sputum tests to confirm the presence, type, location and extent of the infection ...
Treatment
The hospital and home treatment options for bacterial, viral, fungal and aspiration pneumonia ...