What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs most commonly caused by a bacteria or virus. Pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling vomit or other foreign substances.In all cases, the lungs' air sacs fill with pus , mucous, and other liquids and cannot function properly. This means oxygen cannot reach the blood and the cells of the body.

Types of pneumonia

Most pneumonias are caused by bacterial infections.

• The most common infectious cause of pneumonia in the United States is the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae.
   

• Other bacteria, as well as certain viruses, may also cause pneumonia. Since these infections may not cause all of the classic pneumonia symptoms, they are often called "atypical pneumonias."
   

• Aspiration (or inhalation) pneumonia is a swelling and irritation of the lungs caused by breathing in vomit, fumes from such chemicals as bug sprays, pool cleaners, gasoline, or other substances. This kind of pneumonia cannot be spread to other people.

What Causes Pneumonia?

There are about 30 different causes of pneumonia. However, they all fall into one of these categories:

• Infective pneumonia: Inflammation and infection of the lungs and bronchial tubes that occurs when a bacteria (bacterial pneumonia) or virus (viral pneumonia) gets into the lungs and starts to reproduce.
   

• Aspiration pneumonia: An inflammation of the lungs and bronchial tubes caused by inhaling vomit, mucous, or other bodily fluids. Aspiration pneumonia can also be caused by inhaling certain chemicals.

How Is Pneumonia Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the pneumonia. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia but are ineffective against viral pneumonia.
Treating Infective Pneumonia

Although the treatment for infective pneumonia depends on the cause of the condition, some simple steps can help speed recovery from pneumonia:

• Medications should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician. If it is not helping, call the doctor. Do not quit taking it unless told to do so by a doctor.
   

• Take over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help control pain and fever.
   

• Use a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer to increase air moisture and to make it easier to breathe. DO NOT use hot steam.
   

• Rest in bed until body core temperature returns to normal and chest pains and breathing problems are gone. Drink six to eight glasses of liquids daily to help keep mucous thin and easy to cough up.