pneumonia overview for patients

Overview

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It causes the tiny air sacs in your lungs to fill with fluid or pus, making it harder to breathe and reducing the oxygen your body gets. It can range from mild to very serious, especially in babies, older adults, and people with other health conditions.

Yes. Pneumonia is a common illness worldwide. In the UK, tens of thousands of people are admitted to hospital with pneumonia each year, and many more are treated at home.

Anyone can get pneumonia, but it is more common and more serious in babies, young children, older adults (65+), pregnant women, and people with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Cough, which may bring up mucus (phlegm) that is green, yellow, or even bloody
• Fever, sweating, and chills
• Fast or difficult breathing, feeling short of breath
• Chest pain that hurts more when you breathe deeply or cough
• Feeling very tired, low energy, loss of appetite
• Confusion (especially in older people)

Symptoms in children

• Fast breathing or grunting
• Flaring of the nostrils
• Chest pulling in with each breath
• Fever, cough, and being unusually sleepy or irritable
• Poor feeding or difficulty drinking

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or delirium
• Falling or feeling dizzy
• Low body temperature instead of fever
• Worsening of existing health conditions
• Loss of appetite and reduced ability to do everyday tasks

Causes

Main causes

• Viruses, such as flu, RSV, or the virus that causes COVID-19
• Bacteria, most often a type called Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus)
• Less commonly, fungi — especially in people with weakened immune systems
• Aspiration pneumonia, which happens when food, drink, or vomit is breathed into the lungs

Risk factors

• Being under 2 or over 65 years old
• Smoking — smoking damages the lungs' natural defences
• Long-term lung conditions like COPD, asthma, or cystic fibrosis
• Other health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease
• A weakened immune system due to illness or certain medicines
• Being in hospital, especially on a breathing machine
• Difficulty swallowing, which can lead to food or drink entering the lungs

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a high fever, cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain — even if you're not sure it's pneumonia
• If your symptoms are getting worse instead of better
• If you are over 65, pregnant, or have a long-term health condition and think you might have pneumonia

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have a cough that lasts more than three weeks
• If you keep coughing up mucus or blood
• If you feel generally unwell and it is not getting better

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and check your temperature, breathing rate, and oxygen level. Based on this, they may decide you need no tests, or they may arrange some simple checks.

Tests that may be done

• Chest X-ray — to confirm pneumonia and see how much of the lung is affected
• Blood tests — to check for signs of infection and see whether it is caused by bacteria or a virus
• Pulse oximetry — a small clip on your finger to measure your oxygen level
• Sputum sample — testing the mucus you cough up to find the exact germ
• Urine test — can detect some types of pneumonia

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment usually takes place in your GP surgery or local health centre. No special preparation is needed. If you are very unwell, you may be seen in hospital. The doctor will explain what they think is wrong and what the next steps are. You can ask questions at any time.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing your pneumonia, how ill you are, your age, and your general health. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, while viral pneumonia mostly improves on its own with rest and fluids. If you have a mild case, you can usually recover at home. More serious cases may need hospital care, where you can receive oxygen, fluids, and close monitoring.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest — your body needs energy to fight the infection
• Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and help loosen mucus
• Ask your pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help with fever, aches, and coughing
• Avoid smoke, including second-hand smoke
• Sit upright to make breathing easier
• Finish any prescribed medicine even if you feel better

Medical treatments

If a bacterial infection is the cause, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. For viral pneumonia, antibiotics won't help; treatment focuses on supportive care. In hospital, you may receive oxygen, fluids through a drip, and other breathing support. Always take medicines exactly as prescribed and complete the full course.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for pneumonia. It may be considered for uncommon complications, such as an abscess (a collection of pus) in the lung that does not drain with medicine, or for a type of pneumonia caused by breathing in objects. Most people never need surgery.

Living with this condition

Recovering from pneumonia takes time — often weeks. You may feel tired for a while, and a dry cough can linger. Follow your healthcare provider's advice, finish any prescribed medicine, and let your body set the pace. Do not rush back to work or school until you feel strong enough.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough sleep and rest during the day
• Stay well hydrated with water, warm drinks, or soups
• Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke and air pollution
• Gradually increase activity as you feel better
• Avoid close contact with people who have colds, flu, or other infections

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables to support your immune system. When you feel ready, light movement like short walks can help your circulation and lung function — but stop if you feel breathless or strained. Always check with your doctor before returning to more intense exercise.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling anxious, low, or frustrated during recovery is common. A serious illness can affect your mood and energy. Be kind to yourself, talk to friends or family, and mention any low mood to your healthcare team. If you are struggling emotionally, reach out — there is no shame, and support is available.

Prevention

Yes, to a large degree. Many types of pneumonia can be prevented by getting vaccinated, practising good hand hygiene, not smoking, and staying healthy overall. It is especially important for children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available against some of the most common causes of pneumonia, including the flu vaccine, the pneumococcal vaccine, and in some countries, the COVID-19 vaccine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which vaccines are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for pneumonia in healthy people. However, if you are in a high-risk group, your doctor may look out for signs of chest infections during check-ups and may recommend preventive vaccines at certain ages.

Complications

If left untreated

• The infection can spread to the pleura (the lining around the lungs), causing fluid to collect — this is called a pleural effusion
• An abscess can form inside the lung
• The infection can spread into the bloodstream (septicaemia), which can affect other organs
• In severe cases, respiratory failure can occur, needing breathing support in hospital
• Long-term lung damage in some rare cases

Long-term outlook

Most people with pneumonia make a full recovery within a few weeks, although a cough can sometimes linger for longer. With the right treatment and support, even serious cases can be successfully treated. Your healthcare team will guide you through recovery step by step.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization ↗

Local organisations

• Asthma + Lung UK ↗ · UK

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