Pneumonia in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is pneumonia?

It is a lung infection caused by viruses, bacteria or, less often, fungi. The air sacs fill with fluid or pus, making it harder for oxygen to reach the blood. It affects all ages and is more serious in babies, older adults and people with chronic conditions.

What symptoms does it cause?

Fever, cough with or without phlegm, fast breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing or coughing, fatigue and chills. In young children, the main signs may be fast breathing, grunting, nasal flaring, lethargy and refusing food. In older adults it may present with confusion and little fever.

How is it diagnosed and treated?

With a medical exam, oxygen saturation measurement and, when needed, a chest X-ray and blood tests. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics; viral pneumonia does not respond to them. Many cases are managed at home, but hospitalization is needed with low oxygen, significant breathing difficulty or dehydration.

How is it prevented?

With vaccines against pneumococcus, influenza, whooping cough, measles and Haemophilus, handwashing, avoiding tobacco smoke and breastfeeding for babies. With trouble breathing, blue lips, confusion or marked lethargy, go to the emergency room.

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