Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs.

It is most commonly caused by one of the viruses or bacteria present in the air we breathe. In children, especially young children, viral pneumonia is more common.

Pneumonia can cause fever, chills, shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain.

Usually, the body's immune system is able to fight off these germs, but sometimes the immune system is overwhelmed. When this happens, the affected parts of the lungs fill with infected fluids, making breathing difficult.

Most people make a full recovery in a couple of weeks, but some need specialised treatment for complications.

Pneumonia can be caused by many types of germs, including:

• Bacteria: the most common bacteria is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), but there are many other types of bacteria that cause pneumonia, including Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Viruses: such as the flu virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
• Fungi: occasionally pneumonia is caused by fungal infections, but this is relatively uncommon.

The most common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• cough (often with yellow or green coloured phlegm)
• fever
• shaking chills
• shortness of breath
• increased effort required to take a breath
• low energy and fatigue
• loss of appetite
• headache
• chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough

To diagnose pneumonia your doctor will take a medical history and do a physical exam.

Pneumonia may be suspected if they hear coarse breathing, wheezing or crackling sounds when listening to the chest through a stethoscope.

To confirm a diagnosis of pneumonia a chest X-ray may be required to see which part of the lungs are affected.

Blood tests and samples of phlegm may also be sent to the lab for testing.

Seek medical assistance straight away if a bluish tinge develops in the skin, lips and nail beds. This may be a sign that the lungs are unable to deliver enough oxygen to the body.

Anyone can develop pneumonia, but the risk is greater in babies and children aged four years and under, and the elderly. Other risk factors include:

• recently having had a cold or the flu
• having a chronic lung condition
• having a weakened immune system
• drinking excessive alcohol or smoking
• being a patient in hospital

In children, the risk of pneumonia is increased by:

• premature birth
• poor nutrition
• low birth weight
• exposure to tobacco smoke
• lack of insulation and heating
• living in damp, mouldy and/or overcrowded conditions

Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of pneumonia you have, on your age and general physical well-being.

Most cases of pneumonia can be treated at home. Ensure you:

• Rest as much as possible
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take antibiotics if/as prescribed for bacterial pneumonia
• Take medications (such as paracetamol) if required for relief of pain and fever

Seek the advice of your healthcare practitioner/doctor if you (or your child’s) symptoms are not improving, or symptoms worsen.

Hospital admission is often recommended for babies, young children and the elderly, or for those who have severe pneumonia.

• Have an annual flu vaccination to help prevent pneumonia caused by the flu virus.
• Talk to your healthcare provider about having the pneumococcal vaccine. This vaccine is especially recommended for anyone at high risk of pneumococcal pneumonia.
• Avoid smoking or vaping or being around people who smoke or vape.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid people who have a cold or the flu.

Children can become very sick very quickly if they develop pneumonia. Dial 111 for an ambulance if you or your child has any of these symptoms:

• struggling to breathe or rapid breathing
• pauses in breathing
• confusion
• persistent fever (high temperature)
• a bluish tinge to the lips, skin and nail beds