COPD and Lung Health

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs and people with COPD are more likely to develop pneumonia. It is most serious for infants, young children and older people whose age is above 65 and people with weakened immune systems. Bacterial pneumonia, is the most common form, tends to be more serious than other types of pneumonia. The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually. In few cases pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are so variable and are often very similar to those seen in a cold or influenza. Complications of pneumonia are as follows: pleural effusion, empyema, lung abscess, bacteremia, septicemia, meningitis, septic arthritis, endocarditis, or pericarditis.