Etymed
pneumonia
Definition
Inflammation of the lung tissue, typically affecting the alveoli
Clinical context
A 65-year-old man presents to the emergency department with fever, productive cough, and left-sided chest pain. Chest X-ray reveals consolidation in the left lower lobe. He has a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and smoking. On examination, he appears dusky and has decreased breath sounds at the left lung base.
Mnemonic
Pneumonia = 'P' for Pus, 'N' for Nodules, 'E' for Effusion, 'U' for Ulcers, 'M' for Mucous, 'O' for Obstruction, 'N' for Necrosis