Infectious Diseases: Pneumonia And Bronchitis

Symptoms

Breathing trouble, and a strong cough, which may produce yellow or green phlegm, and/or which is so severe it causes vomiting or turning red in the face. Fever may also be present.

Cause

Pneumonia is an inflammation or infection of the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses. Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchi; the air passages connecting the windpipe (trachea) with the lung sacs (alveoli) where oxygen is taken up by the blood. Can be caused by complications from a cough due to a severe cold. These infections are much more severe than colds.

Treatment

Your doctor will decide which course of treatment, depending on the condition, how severe it is, and what caused it.

Transmission/Prevention

With viral pneumonia, spread from person to person in the form of droplets expelled by an infected person when talking, coughing or sneezing, through touching infected secretions, and through touching contaminated hands, objects and surfaces.