Living with pneumonia

Overview

Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that causes the tiny air sacs to fill with fluid or pus, making it harder to breathe.

Pneumonia is a common illness worldwide. It can happen at any age, but it is more serious for babies, older adults, and people with long-term health conditions.

Anyone can get pneumonia. You are more likely to get it if you are very young, over 65, smoke, or have a weakened immune system.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Cough, which may bring up phlegm
• Fever, sweating, or chills
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain when you breathe or cough
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Loss of appetite

Symptoms in children

• Fast breathing or grunting
• Wheezing or a noisy chest
• Flaring nostrils when breathing
• Blueish lips or face
• Trouble feeding or drinking
• Being unusually sleepy or irritable

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or sudden changes in thinking
• A lower body temperature than normal
• Dizziness or falls
• Loss of appetite
• Worsening of an existing condition like COPD or heart failure

Causes

Main causes

• Viruses, such as the flu, cold viruses, or COVID-19
• Bacteria, most often Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Fungal infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems
• Inhaling food, liquids, or saliva into the lungs (aspiration)

Risk factors

• Being under 5 or over 65 years old
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Having a long-term lung condition like COPD or asthma
• Having heart disease, diabetes, or liver disease
• Having a weakened immune system, from illness or certain medicines
• Staying in a hospital, especially on a breathing machine

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You are short of breath or breathing faster than normal
• You have chest pain that feels worse when you breathe or cough
• You have a high fever that is not improving
• Your cough is getting worse, or you are coughing up discolored phlegm
• You feel very ill, dizzy, or confused

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have a cough or fever that has lasted more than a few days
• You feel more tired than usual and are not getting better
• You have a health condition that puts you at higher risk of complications
• You are recovering, but your symptoms keep coming back

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and check your oxygen levels with a small sensor on your finger.

Tests that may be done

• Chest X-ray to see the infection in your lungs
• Blood tests to check for infection and see how severe it is
• A sample of phlegm (sputum) to look for the germ causing your illness
• Pulse oximetry to measure your oxygen level

What to expect at your appointment

The tests are usually quick and painless. A chest X-ray takes a few minutes. The doctor will explain what they find and talk with you about the best next steps.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what caused the pneumonia and how severe it is. Many people recover at home, but some need hospital care to get oxygen, fluids, or stronger treatment.

Self-care at home

• Rest as much as possible and do not rush back to work or exercise
• Drink plenty of water and warm fluids to stay hydrated
• Use a humidifier or breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water to ease cough
• Stay away from smoke and do not vape or smoke
• Take fever-reducing or pain-relief medicines only as your healthcare provider or pharmacist advises

Medical treatments

If your pneumonia is caused by bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Viral pneumonia does not respond to antibiotics, but you may get supportive care like oxygen or inhaled treatments to help open your airways. In hospital, you may receive fluids and medicines through a drip (IV) if you are very unwell. Always take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed and finish the full course.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for pneumonia. If a pocket of pus forms in the lung (lung abscess) or if fluid surrounds the lung (pleural effusion), a doctor may drain it with a needle or thin tube.

Living with this condition

Recovery takes time, often several weeks or even a month or more. Take things slowly. Listen to your body and rest whenever you feel tired. Try to do a little more each day as you feel stronger.

Lifestyle tips

• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Avoid alcohol while recovering, because it may weaken your immune system
• Get enough sleep and keep a regular daily routine
• Keep any follow-up appointments with your doctor
• Practice good handwashing to avoid catching new infections

Diet and exercise

Eat small, regular meals if you do not have an appetite. Choose nutritious foods like soups, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Gentle exercise, like short walks, can help your lungs regain strength, but do not push yourself too hard. Talk to your doctor about when you can safely increase activity.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Pneumonia can leave you feeling tired, frustrated, or low. It is normal to have mood changes during recovery. Talk to family and friends about how you feel. If you feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed, tell your healthcare team. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, reach out to your local mental health crisis service or call your local emergency number.

Prevention

You cannot prevent every case of pneumonia, but you can lower your risk by not smoking, washing your hands regularly, and staying up to date with recommended vaccines.

Vaccines

There are vaccines that protect against some causes of pneumonia, including the flu, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which vaccines are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for pneumonia. If you are at higher risk, your doctor may suggest regular check-ups to keep your lungs healthy.

Complications

If left untreated

• Severe breathing failure, when your lungs cannot get enough oxygen to your body
• Sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads through your blood
• A collection of fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion)
• An abscess, or pocket of pus, inside the lung

Long-term outlook

Most people with pneumonia get better completely with proper treatment and time. Your recovery may be faster if you are young and generally healthy. Even older adults and people with other conditions often recover well. Following your doctor's advice, resting, and attending follow-up care can help you heal fully and avoid complications.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.