Understanding Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
Summary
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in one or both lungs. Imagine your lungs as sponges filled with tiny air sacs. When you have pneumonia, these air sacs, called alveoli, fill up with fluid or pus. This makes it harder for oxygen to get into your bloodstream, which your body needs to function. Anyone can get pneumonia, but it tends to be more serious for very young children, older adults, and people who already have other health issues.
Benefits
Normally, your lungs are full of millions of these tiny air sacs that fill with air when you breathe. This is where oxygen enters your blood and carbon dioxide leaves.