Scientific American presents House Call Doctor by Quick & Dirty Tips. Scientific American and Quick & Dirty Tips are both Macmillan companies.
It’s wintertime – it’s cold, wet, and often filled with viruses and bacteria running rampant through the air.
Many of us will get sick at least once during the winter season and although it’s more than likely to be the common cold or flu that we contract, some illnesses can wreak havoc on our holiday plans and bodies.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Pneumonia is one of these nasty illnesses we all wish we could wipe off the face of this earth.
Like many people, you may have developed a nasty cough this winter. But how can you tell it’s “just another virus” or if it’s actually something more serious like pneumonia? Let’s find out and learn all about pneumonia in today’s episode.
What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is simply the term doctors use to describe an infection in the lungs. It occurs much more commonly in the wintertime. As we breathe in air, we are exposed to viruses and bacteria that enter our nasal passages and subsequently into our lungs. Our immune system typically fights these organisms off, but sometimes the organism can set up shop and grow in our respiratory system (the lungs).
Bacteria are the top cause of pneumonia, but viruses cause about a fifth of the pneumonia cases. Fungi can also cause pneumonia, but this is very rare and typically in those with a very weak immune system (like in HIV or chemotherapy patients).
