This chapter describes the principal concepts regarding pneumonia and defines each type of pneumonia, epidemiology, pathogenesis, etiology, antimicrobial therapy, surveillance, and prevention measures. Pneumonia, often described as a silent threat, reveals itself through a spectrum of pathogens, with the formidable culprits being bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Among adults in the United States, pneumonia is the leading cause of hospital admissions, excluding instances of childbirth among women. Annually, approximately 1.4 million adult Americans require hospitalization for pneumonia-related care and over 40,000 die from this disease. Ref 37-1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumonia. National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/pneumonia.h... - You do not have permission to view this object.

The chapter delves into the risk factors for pneumonia, including age, comorbidities, and environmental influences. Recognizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention, the chapter outlines the various clinical presentations of pneumonia. Emphasis is placed on the crucial role of healthcare professionals in promptly identifying and treating this disease.