Knowing the symptoms and risk factors for pneumonia can help people seek medical care quickly. Pneumonia is a common cause of sepsis (bacteria in blood) and death among adults and young children. Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. These germs cause alveoli, the air sacs of the lungs, to become inflamed and filled with fluid. This causes a cough, fever, and trouble breathing, which are the common symptoms of pneumonia.

What are risk factors for developing pneumonia?

People of all ages can contract pneumonia. Risk factors for contracting pneumonia include:

• Advanced age
• Smoking
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 
• Asthma
• Alcohol abuse
• Pregnancy
• Homelessness

Conditions that weaken the immune system or serious illness increase the risk of contracting pneumonia. Examples include infections, chronic conditions such as heart disease, liver failure, diabetes, and medications that suppress the immune system.

Next: Causes Of Pneumonia