Respiratory
Pneumonia
Also known as: Lung infection, Chest infection
Pneumonia condition guide: symptoms, causes, prevention, and when to seek care. Educational only — not a diagnosis.
Overview
Pneumonia develops when bacteria, viruses, or sometimes fungi fill parts of the lungs with fluid or pus. Young children, older adults, and people with HIV or other illnesses are at higher risk. Prompt care lowers the chance of complications.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Cough with phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain worse when coughing
- Fatigue
- Faster heartbeat
- Confusion in older adults
Causes
Causes include bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, influenza or coronavirus, and exposure to smoke or poor air quality. Pneumonia can follow a common respiratory infection.
Treatment (general information)
Depending on the cause, a clinic may prescribe antibiotics, antiviral care, oxygen, or hospital admission. Rest and fluids help. Do not delay care if breathing becomes hard.
Prevention
Get recommended pneumonia and flu vaccines, wash hands, avoid tobacco smoke, and treat breathing illnesses early. Children with poor nutrition need better feeding support.
When to see a doctor
Seek urgent help for breathing trouble, bluish lips, high fever in a child, or a cough with ongoing chest pain.
Frequently asked questions
- Is pneumonia contagious?
- Some causes can spread through coughing. Hand hygiene and avoiding close contact when ill reduce risk.
- Are antibiotics always needed?
- No. Viral pneumonia may not need antibiotics. A clinician decides after assessment.