Signs and symptoms
... Pneumonia can be difficult to spot. It often mimics a cold or the flu, so you may not realize you have a more serious condition. What''s more, signs and symptoms can vary greatly, depending on any und...

Causes
... Your lungs are two spongy organs surrounded by a moist membrane (the pleura). When you inhale, air is carried through the windpipe (trachea) to your lungs in two major airways called bronchi. Inside y...

Risk factors
... Adults age 65 or older and very young children, whose immune systems aren''t fully developed, are at increased risk of pneumonia. You''re also more likely to develop pneumonia if you: Have certain dis...

When to seek medical advice
... If you think you may have pneumonia, don''t hesitate to get medical care. Serious pneumonia can be life-threatening. See your doctor right away if you have a persistent cough, shortness of breath, che...

Screening and diagnosis
... Your doctor may first suspect pneumonia based on your medical history and a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal bubbling or c...