Pneumonia

Pneumonia is when your lungs become inflamed (swollen and sore), usually because of an infection. Your lungs are the organs that help you breathe, and when they get infected, it can make breathing difficult.

What are the signs of pneumonia?

Pneumonia symptoms can start suddenly or build up slowly over a few days. Look out for:

• A cough that might bring up yellow or green mucus (thick, sticky stuff from your chest)
• Feeling out of breath
• A high temperature (fever)
• Chest pain
• Your whole body aching
• Feeling very tired
• Not wanting to eat
• Making wheezing sounds when breathing
• Feeling confused (this happens more in older people)
• In babies: making grunting noises

When should you get help?

Contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111 if you have:

• A cough for 3 weeks or longer
• Blood in your cough
• Chest pain that comes and goes, or hurts when you breathe or cough
• Feeling out of breath

You can call 111 or use the NHS 111 online service.

Call 999 immediately if you:

• Are struggling to breathe - choking, gasping and can't speak
• Have pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
• Suddenly feel confused and don't know where you are
• Cannot wake your baby and they feel floppy

Don't drive yourself to A&E. The 999 operator will tell you what to do.

How is pneumonia treated?

Most people with pneumonia get antibiotics (medicines that fight bacterial infections). Most people feel better within 2 to 4 weeks.

Some people might need hospital treatment, especially if they:

• Are over 65 years old
• Have heart disease or long-term lung problems
• Are babies or young children
• Are very unwell
• Don't get better after taking antibiotics

In hospital, you might receive fluids through a drip, antibiotics, and sometimes steroids. You may also get oxygen to help you breathe. Doctors might do a chest X-ray and blood tests.

Important: If you're taking antibiotics at home and don't feel better after 2-3 days, speak to your GP.

What can you do to help yourself recover?

Do:

• Rest until you feel better - stay at home if you have a fever or feel unwell
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain or high temperature
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Put used tissues in the bin quickly
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water

Don't:

• Take cough medicine - coughing helps clear the infection from your lungs
• Smoke

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia usually comes from bacterial or viral infections. You can catch it from someone who has it, or sometimes get it after having flu, COVID-19, or other chest infections.

How to reduce your risk

Several vaccines can help protect you:

• Pneumococcal vaccine (for babies, adults over 65, and people at higher risk)
• Flu vaccine
• COVID-19 vaccine
• RSV vaccine (for certain age groups)

Stopping smoking also reduces your chances of getting pneumonia.

Remember, if you're worried about breathing problems or chest symptoms, speak to your GP. They can properly assess your symptoms and recommend the right treatment for you.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.