What are the causes of pneumonia, and what are its treatments?

Pneumonia is a common inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, bacterial infections, and even fungal and other parasites. In particular, viruses such as influenza (the flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (common cold), and parainfluenza are the most common cause of pneumonia. Bacterial causes include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Klebsiella species.

The most effective treatment for pneumonia depends on its cause; bacterial pneumonias will be treated with antibiotics while viral pneumonias typically must run their course but may require supportive care to help the patient manage symptoms until he or she recovers. Antibiotic use should only be used when necessary to treat antibiotic-responsive bacteria; indiscriminate use can contribute to antibiotic resistance problems which complicate future treatments.

In addition to antibiotics or supportive care depending on the case at hand, there are also general steps that people who suffer from pneumonia can take in order to get well more quickly and prevent further complications: restful sleep with plenty of fluids; avoidance of smoke or polluted air; adequate nutrition with healthy foods; regular exercise where appropriate and discussed with one's doctor for individual cases. While these measures do not actively treat any underlying causes such as bacteria or viruses causing the infection in question they serve as important preventative measures so one does not become re-infected easily due to weakened immunity from prior illness.