pneumonia is inflammation or swelling in the lungs in which the air sacs fill with pus and other fluids making it difficult for oxygen to reach the blood. pneumonia can be typical or atypical. typical pneumonia is most commonly caused by streptococcus pneumoniae also known as the pneumococcal pneumonia. atypical pneumonia can be caused by viruses fungi bacteria or chemicals (such as when stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs). people who are otherwise healthy often recover quickly when given prompt and proper care. however the elderly or those with chronic illnesses (such as parkinson's disease) often develop a serious infection that needs prompt and often aggressive treatment in the hospital.
what is pneumonia?