pneumoonia

Pneumoonia is a nonstandard spelling of pneumonia, a common lung infection characterized by inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. In standard medical usage, the disease is referred to as pneumonia; pneumoonia may be encountered as an informal spelling or typographical error. The condition ranges from mild to life-threatening and can affect people of all ages.

Pneumonia can result from bacteria, viruses, fungi, or noninfectious factors such as aspiration. The most common bacterial agent is Streptococcus pneumoniae; other bacteria include Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and Legionella species. Viral pneumonia is caused by influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, and others. Fungal pneumonia is more frequent in people with immune system suppression or chronic lung disease.

Typical symptoms include cough (often with sputum), fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In older adults or people with chronic illness, confusion, weakness, or dehydration may predominate. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation supported by chest imaging, usually a radiograph showing a focal infection. Blood tests, sputum cultures, and, in severe cases, CT scans may aid in determining the cause and guiding treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause and the patient’s condition. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with appropriate antibiotics; viral pneumonia may require antiviral medications and supportive care. Severe cases may require hospitalization and oxygen therapy. Complications can include pleural effusion, empyema, respiratory failure, and sepsis.

Prevention focuses on vaccination (pneumococcal and influenza vaccines), good hand hygiene, smoking cessation, and managing chronic diseases. Most cases recover with timely treatment, though risk remains higher among the elderly, infants, and immunocompromised individuals.