X ray of pneumonia

Pneumonia <<noo MOHN yuh>> is a disease of the lungs, the parts of the body we use to breathe. Usually, pneumonia is caused by tiny living things called bacteria, by viruses, or by fungi.

Pneumonia germs get into the air when someone who has pneumonia coughs or sneezes. Other people catch pneumonia by breathing in the germs. The germs grow in a person's lungs and may make the lungs fill with liquid.

Most people who catch pneumonia from bacteria have sudden chills, high fever, and chest pain. They may cough up thick liquid called mucus <<MYOO kuhs>>. Pneumonia caused by viruses is usually milder. People with pneumonia often need bed rest. Pneumonia can also be treated with medicines.

Pneumonia. (2020). In World Book Discover. Retrieved from https://www.worldbookonline.com/wbdiscover/article?id=ar831789