Pneumonia
Overview
Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs and causes inflammation in the air sacs responsible for oxygen exchange. If you have pneumonia, breathing may become more difficult because the lungs are affected by infection and fluid build-up.
Pneumonia can range from mild illness to a more serious condition requiring close monitoring or hospital care. It may develop after a viral infection, from bacterial infection, or in individuals with weakened immunity or underlying lung conditions.
With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many people recover well. Prompt assessment is important when symptoms worsen or breathing becomes difficult.
Symptoms
Pneumonia symptoms can vary depending on the severity of infection. You may experience:
- Cough, sometimes with mucus
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain during breathing or coughing
- Fatigue or body weakness
- Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing
Some people may also experience confusion, especially older adults.
Causes & Risk Factors
Pneumonia is caused by infections affecting the lungs. You may be at higher risk if you:
- Have asthma or chronic lung disease
- Smoke or are exposed to smoke
- Have weakened immunity
- Are older or very young
- Have recently had a respiratory infection
These factors can increase the risk of infection or complications.
When to Seek Care
You should seek medical advice if you:
- Have persistent cough and fever
- Experience chest pain when breathing
- Notice increasing shortness of breath
- Feel unusually weak or fatigued
- Have symptoms that continue worsening
Emergency Symptoms
Seek immediate medical care if you experience:
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Confusion or reduced alertness
- Chest pain with worsening breathing problems
- Rapid worsening of symptoms
Prevention
You can help reduce the risk of pneumonia by:
- Avoiding smoking and smoke exposure
- Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations
- Seeking early treatment for respiratory infections
- Practising good hand hygiene
- Managing chronic health conditions properly
Diagnostics Used
To diagnose pneumonia, your care team may use:
Support Services
Managing pneumonia focuses on treating infection and supporting breathing. You may benefit from:
- Medication and symptom management
- Respiratory monitoring and follow-up
- Oxygen support where needed
- Referral for hospital or advanced care if required
This approach helps support recovery and reduce complications.