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What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs.

The lungs' air sacs fill with pus, mucus, and other liquid and can not function properly. Oxygen can not reach the blood. If there is insufficient oxygen in the blood, body cells can not function properly and may die.

Lobar pneumonia affects a section (lobe) of a lung. Bronchial pneumonia (or bronchopneumonia) affects patches throughout both lungs.

lobar pneumonia

 

Bronchial Pneumonia

 

Lobar Pneumonia

Bronchial Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be life-threatening and is a leading cause of death and hospitalization in seniors and in people with long-term (chronic) diseases. The good news is that there are many things you can do to lower your risk of getting pneumonia.