What you need to know about Hillary's pneumonia and health

Pneumonia, the illness that Hillary Clinton contracted in the middle of her US presidential campaign, can become serious within hours of infection, and its symptoms can last for months.

US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has pneumonia. (Source: Reuters)

This disease is caused by bacteria and is characterized by swelling of the infected lung tissue. Pneumonia can have long-term and dangerous effects if not treated promptly.

Pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because its early symptoms are similar to those of less serious illnesses, such as a cold or asthma. Symptoms may include a dry or productive cough, and the person may also feel short of breath or have difficulty breathing.

People with pneumonia may also experience symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, fever, sweating, shivering, and chest tightness. In more severe cases, symptoms such as coughing up blood, headache, fatigue, exhaustion, nausea, and vomiting may occur.

Clinton reportedly suffered from the condition when she was forced to leave a 9/11 memorial service, and appeared to have difficulty getting into her car. It appears that the effects of pneumonia, combined with other factors such as high air temperatures, caused her to feel dizzy and forced her to leave the memorial service early.

This fatigue can last for months after it first appears.

Pneumonia is not uncommon. It affects around 8 in 1,000 people in the UK. It is more common in the winter months, or in young children or the elderly.

Pneumonia is often more dangerous for the elderly. In addition, people with a history of other diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, kidney disease or liver disease also need to be more careful with pneumonia.

Mild symptoms of the disease are usually treated with rest, antibiotics, and plenty of fluids. In some severe cases, the patient may need to be treated in hospital.

Pneumonia can become more serious, such as developing into pleurisy, in which the membrane between the lungs and the chest becomes inflamed. Pneumonia can also lead to other conditions, such as lung abscesses or blood infections.

Last year, Clinton's campaign released a letter of assurance about her health, in response to questions and concerns about her fitness to lead the United States.

The letter, sent by Dr. Bardack, mentioned a deep vein thrombosis she suffered in 1998 and a concussion in 2012. The letter also stated that these injuries had completely healed.

Overall, the letter said that Mrs. Clinton's health is still very good./.

According to Vietnam+