Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. The severity can range from a mild, cold-like illness, sometimes called "walking pneumonia," to a serious, life-threatening condition. 

Signs and symptoms

Pneumonia symptoms can be similar to a cold or the flu, but they tend to last longer and be more severe. The type of symptoms and their intensity can also depend on the cause of the infection and your age and overall health. 

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

  • Persistent cough: The cough is often accompanied by phlegm (mucus) that may be yellow, green, or even tinged with blood.

  • Fever and chills: A fever can range from low-grade to high, and it may be accompanied by shaking chills or sweating.

  • Shortness of breath: You may feel breathless or have a harder time breathing, especially during physical activity.

  • Chest pain: This pain is often sharp or stabbing and gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.

  • Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired and weak is a common symptom.

  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: These symptoms can also occur, particularly in children. 

In older adults, symptoms may be milder and include confusion or changes in mental awareness rather than a high fever. 

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor immediately if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing

  • High fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher

  • Chest pain

  • A persistent cough, especially if it produces pus

  • Sudden worsening of symptoms after an initial illness like a cold or flu 

Diagnosis

To diagnose pneumonia, a doctor will consider your symptoms, medical history, and physical exam findings. They will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope for crackling, bubbling, or rumbling sounds that suggest fluid. 

Additional tests may be used to confirm the diagnosis or identify the cause:

  • Chest X-ray: This can reveal inflammation in the lungs and help determine the location and extent of the infection.

  • Blood tests: Blood samples can check for signs of an infection and may help identify the type of germ responsible.

  • Pulse oximetry: A device clipped to your finger measures the oxygen level in your blood. A low reading can indicate that your lungs are not functioning properly.

  • Sputum culture: A sample of mucus from your cough can be tested to help pinpoint the cause of the infection. 

Treatment

The treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of infection, its severity, and your overall health. 

Medical treatment

  • Antibiotics: These are prescribed for bacterial pneumonia and should be taken for the entire course, even if you start feeling better. Antibiotics do not work for viral pneumonia.

  • Antiviral medication: If your pneumonia is caused by a virus (like the flu), your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine, especially if taken early in the illness.

  • Antifungal medication: This is used to treat rare fungal pneumonias. 

At-home care

  • Rest: Getting plenty of rest is crucial for helping your body fight the infection.

  • Fluids: Drink lots of water and other clear fluids to stay hydrated and help loosen mucus in your lungs.

  • Medication for symptoms: Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with aches and fever.

  • Avoid irritants: Stay away from tobacco smoke, as it can worsen your symptoms and damage your lungs.

  • Humidifier or steam: A humidifier or warm bath can help ease breathing and loosen mucus. 

Hospitalization

In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized for more intensive treatment, such as intravenous (IV) antibiotics or oxygen therapy to help with breathing

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