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Our certified respiratory
educators are ready to take your questions
(M-F 8:30am-4:30pm)
Our certified respiratory
educators are ready to take your questions
(M-F 8:30am-4:30pm)
Certain germs (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) are the main causes of pneumonia. Most healthy people can usually fight off these germs. However some people are more susceptible to these germs, less able to fight them off and therefore more likely to get pneumonia.
Occasionally pneumonia is caused by a workplace exposure, or unintentionally aspirating (inhaling) food or vomit into the lungs.
If you have any regular symptoms, see your health-care provider to be assessed as soon as possible.
Treatment may include:
Since symptoms can vary depending on your age, see your health-care provider if you notice any health-related changes. Although in some people (e.g., very young, very old) sometimes there are no obvious symptoms of pneumonia, these are the most common:
When you have pneumonia but the symptoms are mild enough that you do not feel the need to stay home, this is sometimes referred to as “walking pneumonia”. You may not even know you have pneumonia since it can feel just like a cold. If you have any regular symptoms—even mild—that do not go away, see your health-care provider.