pneumonia specialist tests overview

Overview

Pneumonia is an infection that fills the tiny air sacs in your lungs with fluid or pus. This makes it hard to breathe and can cause a cough, fever, and chills. It is usually treated with medicine and rest.

Yes, pneumonia is a common infection that affects millions of people worldwide each year. It can happen at any age, but it is more serious in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Pneumonia can affect anyone, but it is more common and more dangerous in babies, young children, adults over 65, people with chronic lung conditions (like asthma or COPD), smokers, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Cough (often with yellow, green, or bloody mucus)
• Fever and chills
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Chest pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe deeply
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in babies)

Symptoms in children

• Fast or noisy breathing (grunting)
• Flaring nostrils or sucking in of the chest when breathing
• Irritability or unusually sleepy
• Poor feeding or vomiting
• Cough and fever

Symptoms in older adults

• Confusion or disorientation (instead of typical symptoms)
• Lower-than-normal body temperature
• Weakness and loss of appetite
• Cough may be less noticeable

Causes

Main causes

• Bacteria (most common cause in adults)
• Viruses (like flu, COVID‑19, RSV)
• Fungi (more common in people with very weak immune systems)

Risk factors

• Age (under 2 or over 65)
• Smoking or long-term lung disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your doctor or go to the emergency department if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, a high fever that won't come down, or confusion.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make an appointment if you have a persistent cough, mild fever, fatigue, or other symptoms that last more than a week.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, listen to your lungs with a stethoscope, and may order tests to confirm pneumonia and find out what is causing it.

Tests that may be done

• Chest X-ray: to see the infection in your lungs.
• Blood tests: to check for signs of infection and to see what germ might be causing it.
• Pulse oximetry: a small clip on your finger to measure oxygen in your blood.
• Sputum test: a sample of mucus you cough up is tested for bacteria or viruses.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the pneumonia and how severe it is. Most people recover at home with medicine and rest, but some need hospital care.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest and sleep.
• Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated and thin mucus.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or take a warm bath to ease coughing.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers for fever and aches (ask your pharmacist which ones are safe for you).

Medical treatments

If the pneumonia is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. For viral pneumonia, antiviral medicine may be used. Fungal pneumonia requires antifungal medication. In hospital, you might receive oxygen therapy, breathing treatments, or intravenous (IV) fluids and medicines. Severe cases may need intensive care.

When is surgery considered?

Living with this condition

It can take several weeks to feel fully better. Follow your treatment plan and go to follow-up appointments. Avoid heavy activity until your doctor says it is safe.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke or vape, and stay away from secondhand smoke.
• Get plenty of rest and gradually return to your normal activities.
• Wash your hands often and avoid contact with people who are sick.

Diet and exercise

Eat nutritious foods to help your body recover. Start with light exercise like walking once your energy returns, but stop if you feel short of breath or tired. Drink plenty of water and warm teas.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

You may feel anxious, scared, or down during recovery. It is normal to worry about your health. Talk to your doctor or a counselor if these feelings last or make it hard to cope.

Prevention

Many cases of pneumonia can be prevented with vaccines and good hygiene.

Vaccines

Vaccines are available for common causes of pneumonia, including the pneumococcal vaccine, the flu vaccine, and the COVID‑19 vaccine. Ask your doctor which vaccines are recommended for you based on your age and health.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for pneumonia. However, people at high risk (like those with chronic lung disease) may be advised to get certain vaccines and to watch for early symptoms.

Complications

If left untreated

• Sepsis (a life-threatening response to infection that can damage organs)
• Lung abscess (a pocket of pus inside the lung)
• Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lung that can become infected)
• Respiratory failure (the lungs cannot provide enough oxygen)

Long-term outlook

Most people with pneumonia recover fully within a few weeks. Early treatment and rest greatly improve the chance of a good outcome. Even severe pneumonia can be treated successfully, though recovery may take longer. Your healthcare team will support you every step of the way.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) ↗
• American Lung Association ↗

Local organisations

• NHS (National Health Service) ↗ · United Kingdom
• Healthline (for general information) ↗ · International