Recurrent pneumonia not common: lung expert

Of the different types of lung infections, "pneumonia is the most serious and the most common in elderly patients," said professor Guy Richards, director of critical care at Johannesburg's Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital.

Pneumonia is one of the most common of lung infections among the elderly but concerns of underlying conditions arise when it recurs, a leading South African pulmonologist said Sunday.

Nelson Mandela was admitted Saturday in a "serious but stable" condition for a recurrent lung infection.