Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Pneumonia - An infection that inflames the air sacs of one or both lungs, causing cough, fever and breathlessness.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs in which the tiny air sacs (alveoli) fill with fluid or pus, making it harder for oxygen to reach the blood. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It ranges from mild to life-threatening and is especially dangerous for young children, older adults and people with weak immunity. Healthy oxygen saturation (SpO2) is usually 95-100%; lower readings can signal serious pneumonia.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Viruses including influenza and SARS-CoV-2
- Smoking and chronic lung disease
- Very young or older age
- Weakened immune system
- Problems swallowing (aspiration)
Signs and Symptoms
- Cough with phlegm
- Fever, sweating, shivering
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Tiredness and loss of appetite
- Confusion in older adults
Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Urgently
- Lips or face turning blue
- SpO2 below 92% on a home oximeter
- Severe breathlessness or chest pain
- Confusion or drowsiness
- In children: chest in-drawing or inability to drink
Diagnosis: Tests, Lab and Imaging
Diagnosis relies on examination and a chest X-ray. Blood tests, oxygen saturation, sputum tests and sometimes viral swabs help guide treatment.
Treatment and Medicines
Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, chosen by a doctor based on severity and local guidance. Rest, fluids and fever control help. Severe cases need hospital care with oxygen and intravenous treatment.
Emergency
If you notice any red-flag sign, call 1122 (Pakistan), 911 (USA), 999 (UK) or 112 (Europe), or go to the nearest emergency department. See our emergency first aid guide.
Complications
Sepsis, lung abscess, fluid around the lung and respiratory failure.
Prevention
- Pneumococcal and flu vaccines for those eligible
- Hand hygiene
- Do not smoke
- Good nutrition and clean indoor air
Outlook and Follow-up
Most healthy people recover in 2-4 weeks, though tiredness can last longer. Older or frail people may take longer.
Patient Education
Write down your questions before appointments, bring a list of all medicines, and ask what results mean for you. Use our symptom checker to learn which departments relate to your symptoms. This Pneumonia guide is educational and reviewed against WHO, CDC and NIH sources by the ghkh.site editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pneumonia contagious?
The germs that cause it can spread through coughs and sneezes.
Do I always need antibiotics?
Only bacterial pneumonia responds to antibiotics. A doctor decides.
How long does recovery take?
Fever often settles in days, but cough and fatigue can last weeks.
Sources
We summarise these sources in our own words. Mention of an organisation does not imply endorsement.