Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Respiratory health · Patient education
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, which can make breathing difficult. Pneumonia can be caused by different microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and, less commonly, fungi.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may vary by age, the cause of infection and overall health. Common symptoms include cough, fever or chills, shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing or coughing, and fatigue. Some people, particularly older adults, may have less typical symptoms.
Causes and risk factors
Pneumonia may develop after exposure to an infectious organism. Risk can be higher in young children, older adults, people with certain chronic conditions, and people with weakened immune systems. Smoking and some underlying lung conditions may also increase risk.
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional may review symptoms and medical history, examine the patient and measure oxygen levels. Depending on the situation, investigations may include a chest X-ray, blood tests or tests for specific infectious organisms. Not every patient needs every test.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause, severity and individual health factors. Some bacterial infections require antibiotics, while antibiotics do not treat viral infections. Severe illness may require hospital care and oxygen or other supportive treatment. Medicines should be used according to advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Prevention
Recommended vaccines, hand hygiene, avoiding tobacco smoke and managing chronic health conditions can help reduce the risk of some forms of pneumonia. Ask a healthcare professional which vaccines are appropriate for your age and medical circumstances.
When to seek urgent medical care
Seek urgent medical assessment for significant or worsening breathing difficulty, bluish or grey lips or skin, new confusion, or severe chest pain. If symptoms are severe or life-threatening, contact your local emergency service immediately. Infants, older adults and people with serious underlying conditions may need earlier assessment.
Reliable further reading
Medical information should be reviewed periodically against current clinical guidance. This page is educational and is not a substitute for an individual assessment.