Overview
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs in which the air sacs fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult and less effective. It ranges from mild to life-threatening, and is most dangerous in young children, adults over 60 and people with diabetes, heart or lung disease. Bacterial pneumonia responds well to antibiotics started early; vaccines protect the highest-risk groups.
Symptoms
- Cough, often with yellow, green or rust-coloured phlegm
- Fever with chills and sweating
- Breathlessness or rapid shallow breathing
- Chest pain that worsens on breathing deeply or coughing
- Unusual tiredness or confusion in older adults
When to see a doctor
See a doctor the same day for fever with cough and breathlessness or chest pain. In babies, fast breathing or chest in-drawing alone is enough reason to seek care immediately.
Emergency — call 108 or go to the nearest hospital
- Severe breathlessness at rest, bluish lips or face
- Confusion or unusual drowsiness
- In infants: fast breathing, grunting, chest in-drawing, refusal to feed — go to a hospital immediately
Causes
Bacteria (commonly pneumococcus), viruses including influenza and COVID-19, and occasionally fungi. Smoking, air pollution, weak immunity and recent viral illness increase the risk.