Pneumonia – how to spot signs and treat it

Caused by an infection, pneumonia can make you feel very sick, so getting the right treatment is vital – find out what can help. 


What are the symptoms? 

What causes it? 

When to see a doctor

How is it diagnosed?

What are the treatments? 

Self-care tips 

What can help prevent it?

Pneumonia has a number of potential causes, and anyone can get it. If you have pneumonia, it’s important to look after yourself with self-care and treatments prescribed by your doctor. Most people get better within a few weeks, but there are signs to watch out for that may indicate the condition is more serious. Find out more. 

Pneumonia is caused by an infection, resulting in inflamed lungs that fill with fluid or pus. 

The severity of pneumonia varies – it can be more dangerous for some, including older people and those with long-term health conditions.

Pneumonia can be viral, bacterial or fungal. Bacterial pneumonia is both more common and serious than viral pneumonia, and you are more likely to need treatment in hospital. Viral pneumonia is more likely to go away without specific treatment.

Fungal pneumonia is less common but can affect people with lowered immunity.

Pneumonia can make you feel very unwell, although most people get better within 2-4 weeks. 


## What are the symptoms? 

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of pneumonia you have, plus other factors (older people and those with heart and lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously sick). They can include: 

- chest pain, especially when you cough or breathe in
- cough, which may bring up yellow, green, or blood-stained mucus
- tiredness
- fever, chills, and sweating
- shortness of breath
- having no appetite
- muscle aches and pains
- feeling confused (common for older people)

__Certain symptoms require emergency medical care, including if you’re struggling to breathe (gasping/choking/unable to talk); you have pale, blue or blotchy skin; or you feel confused, so seek help immediately.__

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## What causes it? 
Pneumonia develops because of the way your immune system reacts to viruses, bacteria or fungi that get into your lungs and cause infection. 

You can breathe these germs in from the air – or develop an infection from something getting into your lungs. Your immune system attacks the germs, which results in inflammation and fluid in the air sacs inside your lungs. 

The most common form is bacterial pneumonia, usually pneumococcal pneumonia, caused by a germ that normally lives in your upper respiratory tract. It can develop on its own, or after you’ve had a cold or flu virus. 

The viruses that cause [flu](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/flu) and [COVID-19](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/coronavirus-covid19) are the most common causes of viral pneumonia.

Anyone can develop pneumonia, but certain factors mean you’re more at risk, such as:

- having a long-term condition, like [asthma](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/asthma) 
- smoking
- having a weakened immune system – for example, because you have [HIV/AIDS](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/hiv), you’re having chemotherapy, or you’ve had an organ transplant. 

### Is pneumonia contagious?

Yes and no. Pneumonia itself isn’t contagious, but some of the germs that cause it are. 

The bacteria and viruses that often cause pneumonia can spread through an infected person’s coughs and sneezes.

Fungal pneumonia typically only affects people with weakened immune systems, and isn’t contagious.  


## When to see a doctor

You should see a healthcare professional if you think you have [symptoms of pneumonia](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/pneumonia#symptoms). And you may need urgent medical help if you’re:

- coughing for more than 3 weeks
- coughing up blood
- having chest pain
- you’re short of breath


## How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis isn’t always straightforward because pneumonia symptoms can vary, and can be similar to cold and flu symptoms. Your healthcare professional may:

- ask questions about your symptoms and any potential causes, such as a recent illness. This may help them work out whether your pneumonia is bacterial, viral or fungal
- listen to your lungs through a stethoscope – when you have pneumonia, your lungs may make crackling or bubbling noises when you breathe in
- run tests, including blood tests, tests on a sample of mucus to identify the source of the infection, and a chest X-ray. 


## What are the treatments? 
Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type and severity of the infection, along with your age and overall health. 

If your pneumonia is caused by bacteria, your healthcare professional will offer antibiotics to target it – make sure you complete the course. 

In the case of severe pneumonia, or if you have complications, you may need to be treated in hospital – for example, with intravenous fluids and antibiotics, or oxygen therapy to help you breathe.

## Self-care tips 

It can take time to get better when you've had pneumonia, and you may find you feel tired for around a month afterward. 

It’s important to take it slowly and get the rest you need, so you make a good recovery and don’t relapse – try to avoid work and other normal activities until your temperature is normal again, and you’ve stopped coughing up mucus. 

Other tips to support recovery, and reduce the risk of spreading infection, include:

- drinking plenty of fluids to help loosen mucus in your lungs
- taking over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce a fever
- staying away from smoke to help your lungs heal
- practising good hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and washing your hands regularly with soap and water 
- having warm drinks and steamy baths to open your airways. 

## What can help prevent it?
You can lower your risk of developing pneumonia by:

- staying up-to-date with your shots – annual vaccinations can protect you against viruses such as flu that can lead to pneumonia. Anyone at high risk of getting seriously unwell, can be vaccinated against the most common bacteria that causes pneumonia, and your healthcare provider may recommend other vaccinations – talk to them about what’s right for you
- quitting if you smoke
- having good health habits including a healthy diet and regular exercise – can lower your risk of getting viruses like the flu, which can lead to pneumonia. 

### Where to get support

- [American Lung Association](www.lung.org)
- [Asthma & Lung UK](www.asthmaandlung.org.uk)
- [Lung Foundation Australia](www.lungfoundation.com.au)


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References

Charlotte Haigh

Jo Wheatley

Dr Maria Reza

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Caused by an infection, pneumonia can make you feel very sick, so getting the right treatment is vital – find out what can help. 