screening for pneumonia

Overview

Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs that makes the tiny air sacs inside them fill up with fluid or pus. This can make it harder for you to breathe and can cause cough, fever, and fatigue. It can range from very mild to very serious, depending on your age, overall health, and the germ causing the infection.

Yes, pneumonia is very common around the world. Millions of people get it each year, and it can affect people of all ages.

Anyone can get pneumonia, but it is more likely in children under 5, adults over 65, people who smoke, and those with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. It can also be more severe in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A cough that may produce mucus or phlegm
• Fever and chills
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Chest pain that is worse when you breathe deeply or cough
• Fatigue and feeling very tired
• Sweating and clammy skin

Symptoms in children

• Fast or difficult breathing, or breathing that looks like the belly is pulling in
• Flaring of the nostrils when breathing
• A grunting sound when breathing out
• Fussiness, especially in babies
• Poor feeding or vomiting
• Lethargy or unusual sleepiness

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or changes in thinking
• A body temperature that is lower than normal instead of a fever
• Falls or sudden weakness
• Worsening of a chronic condition like heart failure or COPD
• Less obvious symptoms like loss of appetite or trouble breathing

Causes

Main causes

• Bacterial infections, especially Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Viral infections, like the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or the coronavirus that causes COVID-19
• Fungal infections, which are more common in people with weakened immune systems
• Breathing in (aspirating) food, liquid, or saliva into the lungs

Risk factors

• Being younger than 5 or older than 65
• Smoking or vaping
• Having chronic lung disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Having heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease
• Having a weakened immune system from illness or certain medicines
• Recent hospitalization or time in a nursing facility
• Exposure to toxic fumes or environmental irritants

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Breathing is getting harder at home
• You have a high fever that does not come down with over-the-counter fever relievers (if you are okay to take them)
• You have chest pain or pressure
• You are coughing up blood or pink fluid
• You feel confused, dizzy, or extremely weak

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have a cough that lasts more than three weeks
• You have a fever and feel unwell even after a few days of home care
• You are in a high-risk group (older, pregnant, or have a chronic condition) and think you have pneumonia

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and breathing, and listening to your lungs. Depending on what they hear and how you look, they may order tests to confirm pneumonia and find out what is causing it.

Tests that may be done

• Pulse oximetry – a small clip on your finger that checks how much oxygen is in your blood
• Chest X-ray – a picture of your lungs that can show fluid or inflammation
• Blood tests – to look for signs of infection and check how well your organs are working
• Sputum culture – a sample of mucus you cough up is tested to find the exact germ
• Sometimes a CT scan of the chest for a more detailed image

What to expect at your appointment

The exam and tests are usually not painful. The chest X-ray takes just a few minutes. You may get some results right away, like oxygen level and chest X-ray results, while culture tests may take a few days. Your doctor will use the results to decide if you need antibiotics or other treatment.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what type of germ is causing the pneumonia (bacteria, virus, or fungus), how sick you are, and your general health. Some people can recover at home, while others may need care in the hospital.

Self-care at home

• Get lots of rest so your body can fight the infection
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and help loosen mucus
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or take a warm shower to make breathing easier
• Avoid smoke and other lung irritants
• Take over-the-counter fever or cough medicine only as directed by a pharmacist or doctor, if you need it and it is safe for you

Medical treatments

If a doctor finds that bacteria are causing your pneumonia, they may prescribe an antibiotic. You must take the full course exactly as told, even if you start feeling better. For viral pneumonia, antibiotics do not help; instead, treatment may focus on rest, fluids, and sometimes antiviral medicine. If you have a severe case, you may need oxygen therapy, breathing treatments, or hospital care. Your doctor will choose the right approach based on your specific case.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is very rarely needed for pneumonia. In some severe cases where fluid around the lungs becomes infected or forms an abscess, a doctor may need to drain the fluid using a needle or a small tube before it causes more trouble.

Living with this condition

While you recover, listen to your body. Rest when you feel tired, and slowly increase your activity as you get stronger. Take any prescribed medicines exactly as directed, and go to all follow-up appointments so your doctor can check your progress.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke or vape, and avoid secondhand smoke
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• Stay away from people who are sick

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains to help your body recover. Drink plenty of fluids, like water or warm soup. While you have pneumonia, it is best to avoid heavy exercise. Once you feel better, start with short walks and slowly build up your stamina.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling tired, frustrated, or anxious during a lung infection is normal. Your body is working hard to heal. It may help to set small goals, allow yourself plenty of rest, and talk to family or friends about how you are feeling.

Prevention

Yes, many cases of pneumonia can be prevented. Washing your hands, avoiding smoke, staying healthy, and managing long-term conditions all help lower your risk. Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect yourself from certain germs that cause pneumonia.

Vaccines

There are vaccines that protect against some common causes of pneumonia, including pneumococcal disease, the flu, COVID-19, and whooping cough. In the UK, the NHS offers these vaccines as part of routine immunisation. Ask your doctor or local health service which vaccines are recommended for you and your family.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for pneumonia in healthy people. Instead, doctors check for pneumonia when you have symptoms or are at high risk. For people in high-risk groups, regular check-ups can help manage conditions that make pneumonia more likely, but the decision to test is based on symptoms and physical exam.

Complications

If left untreated

• Fluid can build up around the lungs and make it even harder to breathe
• The infection can spread to the bloodstream and affect other organs (sepsis)
• An abscess (a pocket of pus) may form in the lung
• You may need more intensive treatment or a longer recovery

Long-term outlook

The good news is that most people with pneumonia recover fully, especially with early treatment and proper care. Even severe cases can be treated successfully in the hospital. Following your doctor’s advice, taking any prescribed medicines, and allowing yourself time to heal can help you get back to your normal life. If you are at higher risk for serious illness, prompt medical attention makes a big difference.

Find support

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