Common Types of Pneumonia Patient Education

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It causes the air sacs (alveoli) to fill with fluid or pus, making it hard to breathe.

Common Types of Pneumonia

1. Bacterial Pneumonia
   
   

• Caused by bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  
  

• Symptoms include high fever, cough with thick yellow or green mucus, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
  
  

• Treated with antibiotics.
  
  

2. Viral Pneumonia
   
   

• Caused by viruses such as the flu virus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
  
  

• Symptoms include cough, fever, body aches, and tiredness.
  
  

• Usually treated with rest, fluids, and sometimes antiviral medicines.
  
  

3. Mycoplasma Pneumonia (also called "walking pneumonia")
   
   

• Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria.
  
  

• Symptoms are milder, like a persistent cough, mild fever, and headache.
  
  

• Often treated with antibiotics.
  
  

4. Aspiration Pneumonia
   
   

• Happens when food, liquid, or vomit is inhaled into the lungs.
  
  

• Common in people with swallowing problems.
  
  

• Can cause coughing, fever, and chest pain.
  
  

• Treated with antibiotics and addressing swallowing issues.
  
  

5. Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
   
   

• Develops during a hospital stay, often caused by more resistant bacteria.
  
  

• Can be more severe and harder to treat.
  
  

Causes and Risk Factors

• Weak immune system
  
  

• Chronic illnesses like COPD or diabetes
  
  

• Smoking
  
  

• Older age (especially over 65)
  
  

• Recent surgery or hospital stay
  
  

• Difficulty swallowing or choking risk
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Cough with mucus
  
  

• Fever and chills
  
  

• Shortness of breath
  
  

• Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing
  
  

• Fatigue
  
  

• Sweating and clammy skin
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Take all medicines as prescribed (antibiotics or antivirals)
  
  

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids
  
  

• Avoid smoking and exposure to smoke
  
  

• Use a humidifier to help breathing (if advised)
  
  

• Follow-up with your healthcare provider
  
  

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Circle True or False. Correct any false statements.

1. True or False: Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs.
   
   

2. True or False: Bacterial pneumonia often causes high fever and thick mucus.
   
   

3. True or False: Viral pneumonia is always treated with antibiotics.
   
   

4. True or False: Walking pneumonia usually causes mild symptoms.
   
   

5. True or False: Aspiration pneumonia happens when food or liquid enters the lungs.
   
   

6. True or False: Smoking increases the risk of pneumonia.
   
   

7. True or False: Hospital-acquired pneumonia is easy to treat with any antibiotic.
   
   

8. True or False: Older adults are more likely to get pneumonia.
   
   

9. True or False: Shortness of breath is a symptom of pneumonia.
   
   

10. True or False: You should stop antibiotics once you feel better.
    
    

11. True or False: Rest and fluids help recovery from pneumonia.
    
    

12. True or False: Pneumonia symptoms never include chest pain.
    
    

13. True or False: Vaccines can help prevent some types of pneumonia.
    
    

14. True or False: Aspiration pneumonia is common in people who have trouble swallowing.
    
    

15. True or False: Pneumonia can cause fatigue and sweating.
    
    

16. True or False: You should avoid smoking to prevent pneumonia.
    
    

17. True or False: Pneumonia always requires a hospital stay.
    
    

18. True or False: Coughing up mucus is a common symptom of pneumonia.
    
    

19. True or False: Pneumonia is contagious and can spread between people.
    
    

20. True or False: You should see your doctor if you have a high fever and cough.
    
    

Individualized Questions About Your Pneumonia

• What type of pneumonia do you have or suspect?
  
  

• When did your symptoms start?
  
  

• Are you taking antibiotics or antiviral medicines?
  
  

• Do you have any other lung diseases like asthma or COPD?
  
  

• Are you a smoker or exposed to smoke?
  
  

• Do you have difficulty swallowing?
  
  

• Have you been in the hospital recently?
  
  

• Are you able to rest and drink enough fluids?
  
  

• Do you have a fever?
  
  

• When is your next follow-up visit.

Pneumonia True or False Answer Key

1. True
   Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that causes swelling and fluid buildup.
   
   

2. True
   Bacterial pneumonia often causes high fever and thick, colored mucus.
   
   

3. False
   Viral pneumonia is usually treated with rest and fluids; antibiotics don’t work on viruses.
   
   

4. True
   Walking pneumonia causes milder symptoms compared to other types.
   
   

5. True
   Aspiration pneumonia happens when food, liquid, or vomit enters the lungs.
   
   

6. True
   Smoking damages lungs and increases the risk of pneumonia.
   
   

7. False
   Hospital-acquired pneumonia is often caused by resistant bacteria and can be harder to treat.
   
   

8. True
   Older adults have a higher risk of developing pneumonia.
   
   

9. True
   Shortness of breath is a common symptom of pneumonia.
   
   

10. False
    You should finish all prescribed antibiotics, even if you feel better.
    
    

11. True
    Rest and fluids help your body fight pneumonia and recover.
    
    

12. False
    Chest pain, especially with breathing or coughing, is a common symptom.
    
    

13. True
    Vaccines, like the pneumococcal and flu vaccines, help prevent pneumonia.
    
    

14. True
    Aspiration pneumonia is more common in people who have trouble swallowing.
    
    

15. True
    Fatigue and sweating often accompany pneumonia.
    
    

16. True
    Avoiding smoking helps protect your lungs and lowers pneumonia risk.
    
    

17. False
    Not all pneumonia cases require hospitalization; mild cases can be treated at home.
    
    

18. True
    Coughing up mucus is common with pneumonia.
    
    

19. True
    Some types of pneumonia can spread between people, especially viral and bacterial forms.
    
    

20. True
    High fever and cough need prompt medical attention.