Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make you very sick. You may cough, run a fever, and have a hard time breathing. It can usually be treated at home, but some people need to go to the hospital.
Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria or a virus. Antibiotics are used to treat pneumonia caused by bacteria.
Last Revised:
October 30, 2012
Author:
Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care Medicine, Medical Toxicology