What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is swelling (inflammation) of the tissue in one or both lungs, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.1,2 Pneumonia can affect anyone, although some groups are at higher risk1,2
Symptoms of pneumonia
One of the most common symptoms of pneumonia is a cough, which can be dry or mucus producing (yellow, green, brownish or blood-stained).1,2
Other common symptoms include difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, fever, generally feeling unwell, sweating and shivering, loss of appetite, and chest pain.1,2
Mild cases can usually be treated at home, but may leave sufferers with a persistent cough for up to 6 weeks and lasting fatigue3. Severe cases may require hospitalisation due to a higher risk of developing serious complications.1,3
Causes of pneumonia
Pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. It can also be caused by fungal infections or aspiration of food.1,2
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia.2,6
† 36% of patients = 861 patients hospitalised with pneumococcal CAP out of 2412 patients hospitalised with all cause CAP
Example
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References
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PP-PFE-GBR-3863. November 2021