Pneumonia is a condition of the respiratory system, it is an infectious disease and can affect one or both lungs of the patient. Two hundred years ago, pneumonia used to be a leading cause of death but now it can be treated easily with antibiotics, as the infection is caused by viruses and bacteria. Still, pneumonia may represent a danger for patients with the immune system affected or for old people.

The general symptoms of pneumonia are coughing, fever and chest pain. Other than that, the symptoms vary depending on the causes of the condition and on many other factors.

Viral pneumonia is caused by viruses' infections and it represents more than half the cases of pneumonia in the world. This condition's symptoms are:

* - Dry cough
* - Chest pain followed by headache and fever
* - A general state of weakness and tiredness

For the bacterial pneumonia the symptoms are:

* - High fever
* - Coldness accompanied by accelerated heart beat and shivers
* - Coughing eliminates a green liquid
* - The skin turns bluish

The people with a higher risk for encountering pneumonia are the children and the elder people. Old people usually encounter pneumonia caused by viruses or bacteria while people under the age of 40 are usually affected by mycoplasmal pneumonia. Although this last form of pneumonia is considered a mild form, it is highly contagious and it can generate complications if left untreated.

Mycoplasmal pneumonia shows symptoms like:

* - Sore throat
* - Dry cough
* - Fever
* - Painful articulations
* - General state of tiredness

In the cases of children infection, pneumonia can be quite disturbing generating an uncomfortable general state, fever, breathlessness and bluish skin.

When a person discovers more than 2 symptoms of pneumonia, he or she should immediately consult a doctor and get a treatment because this condition can aggravate and lead to serious complications. If it is discovered in its early stages, pneumonia can be easily treated at home with antibiotics, but in the advanced stages, hospitalization is required.