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Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in one or both lungs to become
inflamed. A phlegmy or pustular cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing can occur when
the air sacs fill with fluid or pus (purulent material). Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are among
the organisms that can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can range in severity from mild to life-
threatening. The most vulnerable are infants and young children, people over 65, and people
with health problems or weakened immune systems.
The majority of the time, sensors in your upper and lower airways are to blame for a
pneumonia cough. Your airways become irritated and inflamed when you have pneumonia.
Your immune system has increased secretions in your airways. There are also
microorganisms that cause pneumonia and dead cells that must be replaced.