Pneumonia is a disease in one or both lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. However, bacterial pneumonia is the most common type found in adults. Pneumonia causes alveoli, which are inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs. The alveoli can make breathing difficult because they fill with fluid or pus. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The most common type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other important ones are Haemophilus influenzae and Chlamydia pneumoniae. The most common type of viral pneumonia is caused by influenza A and B viruses. Others include respiratory syncytial virus and human parainfluenza virus. Viral pneumonia is often less intense and lasts shorter than bacterial pneumonia. The most common cause of fungal pneumonia is caused by a fungus known as exosmosis. Pneumocystis pneumonia and endosmosis can also cause fungal pneumonia. Mushrooms are often found in soil or bird droppings. People get pneumonia by inhaling large amounts of the organism. Mushrooms are known to cause pneumonia in people with weakened immune systems. Pneumocystis jirovecii is known to attack people with weakened immune systems. Mycoplasmas can also cause mild cases of pneumonia in most adolescents. The main symptom of pneumonia is fever up to 40.6°C. Older adults may have a lower than normal body temperature. Newborns may vomit, lack energy, and have difficulty eating and drinking. It can also cause death; in 2015 it caused the death of 920,136 children under five; they represent 16% of all deaths of children under five. You get infected with fungal pneumonia from the environment and it does not spread from person to person. However, both viral and bacterial pneumonia are contagious. Transmission of pneumonia occurs through inhalation of airborne droplets from a sneeze or cough. We are all at risk of contracting pneumonia, but there are particular people who are more vulnerable to contracting pneumonia. Infants and the elderly, people with weakened immune systems - due to the consequences of smoking, excessive amounts of alcohol and drug abuse - and people with chronic medical conditions. There are medications such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals that help treat pneumonia. Over-the-counter medications can also help relieve pain and fever. There are also cough medicines, but coughing helps clear fluids from the lungs. You can also treat pneumonia by getting plenty of rest, which means not going to school or work, and by drinking plenty of water. In the hospital they use intravenous antibiotics, respiratory therapy and oxygen therapy. Please note: this is just a sample. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Not only can vaccination prevent pneumonia, but there are also a variety of different techniques used to protect against pneumonia. You may want to stop doing things that weaken your immune system, such as smoking. Also remember to always maintain hygiene; wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes. You could also strengthen your immune system by: getting enough sleep and rest; maintain a healthy diet; and practice systematically.