Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a leading cause of death and hospitalization, costing health care systems billions of dollars and an estimated 600,000 adult deaths worldwide each year. Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and the term describes a group of illnesses, including invasive infections, such as bacteremia/sepsis and meningitis, as well as pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infections. Although all age groups may be affected, the highest rate of pneumococcal disease occurs in young children and older adults. In addition, persons suffering from a wide range of chronic conditions (eg, diabetes, cardiovascular disease) and immune deficiencies are at increased risk.

Viral vs Bacterial Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs which affects alveoli. This article looks at the differences between bacterial and viral pneumonia.

Walking Pneumonia

Pneumonia Treatment

Walking Pneumonia Versus Bronchitis

Walking Pneumonia: When to See a Doctor?

How is Walking Pneumonia Treated?

Pneumonia History

Walking Pneumonia versus Pneumonia

Pneumonia Cause

Pneumonia Classification

Walking Pneumonia Versus Common Cold

Is Sense of Smell Linked to Pneumonia?

See more featured articles »

Pneumonia Symptoms & Risk Factors

Pneumonia Epidemiology

Who Gets Walking Pneumonia?

Types of Atypical Pneumonia

Pneumonia Diagnosis

Is Walking Pneumonia Contagious?

Pneumonia in Children

Risk Factors and Walking Pneumonia Prevention

Latest Pneumonia News and Research

Microbial warning signs that predict death risk in severe pneumonia

Researchers examine the gut and lung microbiota of severe community-acquired pneumonia patients.

3 Dec 2025

Pneumococcal vaccination lowers antibiotic-resistant bacteria in children

Children in Guatemala who received a common vaccine that helps prevent pneumonia were less likely to carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to a new study led by Washington State University researchers.

2 Dec 2025

They need a ventilator to stay alive. Getting one can be a nightmare.

On vacation in Mexico last year, Michael DiPlacido passed out twice while scuba diving and again in his hotel. Back in St. Louis, doctors diagnosed him with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, an incurable disease that often requires mechanical ventilation.

2 Dec 2025

Measles deaths plummet but infections surge worldwide

Global immunization efforts have led to an 88% drop in measles deaths between 2000 and 2024, according to a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO). Nearly 59 million lives have been saved by the measles vaccine since 2000.

29 Nov 2025

Novel mRNA-based therapy may offer a new path to tackle antibiotic-resistant infections

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have reported early success with a novel mRNA-based therapy designed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

26 Nov 2025

Dysfunctional breathing is common and influenced by tobacco use and respiratory conditions

Dysfunctional breathing (DB) is frequently misdiagnosed or insufficiently treated, leading to a diminished quality of life and unnecessary medical intervention.

25 Nov 2025

Infection-related hospital stays linked to higher risk of developing dementia

A new research paper was published in Volume 17, Issue 10 of Aging-US on October 13, 2025, titled "Hospitalization with infections and risk of Dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis."

25 Nov 2025

Lung to gut movement of hospital-acquired bacterium raises the risk of sepsis

A hospital-acquired bacterium that causes serious infections can move from the lungs to the gut inside the same patient, raising the risk of life-threatening sepsis, new research reveals.

25 Nov 2025

Inflammatory biomarkers offer new insights for precision medicine in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke, a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, is a complex cerebrovascular event with outcomes heavily influenced by the inflammatory response.

20 Nov 2025

Pairing antiviral therapy with immune modulation restores lung repair in lethal Influenza

Recovery from deadly influenza infection may hinge on helping the lungs heal in addition to stopping the virus, according to a new study in mice, which shows that pairing modest antiviral therapies with immune modulation can restore damaged tissues and lung function, even after severe infection has taken hold.

20 Nov 2025

New collection of bacteria-eating viruses can be effective against Klebsiella strains

Potential treatments for one of the world's most dangerous hospital superbugs have been found in a surprising location - hospital toilets.

20 Nov 2025

Waning immunity and falling vaccination rates fuel pertussis outbreaks

Rates of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, are surging in Texas, Florida, California, Oregon, and other states and localities across the country.

20 Nov 2025

Researchers develop new method to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria using bacteriophages

Antibiotic resistance is one of the most pressing challenges to global public health as harmful microbes evolve to evade these medications.

19 Nov 2025

Machine learning tool helps evaluate ICU resource efficiency in severe pneumonia care

A study published in the Journal of Critical Care, conducted with the participation of the D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), investigated how to measure efficiency in the use of resources for patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), an illness contracted outside hospital settings and most common among older adults.

18 Nov 2025

Preparing for the respiratory virus season: A guide for families

As respiratory virus season begins, pediatric experts are preparing for an expected rise in cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which can cause cold-like symptoms in most people but serious illness in infants and older adults.

17 Nov 2025

New molecular test revolutionizes fungal infection diagnosis

Certain serious fungal infections occur in regions of the United States with specific environments and are often tied to soil exposure.

14 Nov 2025

Conflicting advice on covid shots likely to ding already low vaccine rates, experts warn

More than three-quarters of American adults didn't get a covid shot last season, a figure that health care experts warn could rise this year amid new U.S. government recommendations.

14 Nov 2025

Earlier blood transfusion reduces heart complications post-surgery in high-risk patients

An earlier blood transfusion- done when hemoglobin levels were higher - after major general or vascular surgery among people with heart disease was associated with a lower risk of some complications but not the most severe ones, according to a preliminary late-breaking science presentation today at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2025.

11 Nov 2025

Evolving epidemiology of invasive Group A Streptococcus in critical care

Streptococcus pyogenes or invasive Group A Streptococcus (iGAS) is a major clinical concern around the world, since iGAS infections can quickly escalate into life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis, septic shock, and pneumonia.

6 Nov 2025

COVID-19 vaccination may have broader health benefits for children with atopic dermatitis

Children with atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema, may experience fewer infections and allergic complications if they receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to new research being presented at the 2025 American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting in Orlando.

6 Nov 2025