Pneumonia is a serious condition that can affect the overall health of a person. If not diagnosed early or treated adequately, it can become life-threatening. Even though, pneumonia starts from the respiratory system it can affect several other organs of the body causing organ dysfunction with severe morbidity and mortality.
Pneumonia is primarily an infection occurring in the lung, caused by either bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The process starts as inflammation, which causes an outpouring of fluid into the lungs and later pus formation. It can affect one or more lobes of the lung and can be bilateral. Bacterial pneumonia tends to be more severe than viral pneumonia. The peak season is usually in winter due to a dip in temperature which allows the increase in viral and bacterial infections and is also worsened by indoor crowding. If the disease is severe, it can lead to respiratory failure requiring a high level of oxygen support and a ventilator.
