Acute pneumonia: symptoms, treatment, and warning signs

Treatment depends on the likely cause, illness severity, oxygen level, age, and existing health conditions. Bacterial pneumonia may require antibiotics, while supportive care remains central for many viral infections.

In pneumonia, the tiny air spaces in one or both lungs become inflamed and may fill with fluid. Pneumonia commonly presents with cough, fever, chills, breathlessness, chest pain that worsens with breathing, tiredness, or phlegm. Older adults may instead develop weakness, reduced appetite, or new confusion.

Viruses and bacteria can cause a similar early illness, so symptoms alone may not identify the germ. A clinician may examine the chest, measure oxygen, and consider imaging or tests based on how unwell the person appears.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if pneumonia is suspected, particularly for a child, an older adult, someone who is pregnant, or anyone with heart, lung, kidney, or immune problems. Rest, drink enough fluid to avoid dehydration, and use fever or pain medicine only if it is suitable for you.

Take prescribed antibiotics exactly as instructed and do not use leftover medicine. Avoid smoking and strenuous activity while breathless. Keep track of breathing, alertness, fluid intake, and whether symptoms are improving; deterioration matters even after treatment has started.

Call emergency services for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, collapse, marked drowsiness, new confusion, or chest pain that is intense or persistent. A child with grunting, pauses in breathing, marked chest pulling, or difficulty waking also needs emergency assessment.

Seek same-day care if breathing is becoming harder, fever is accompanied by shaking chills, you cannot keep fluids down, urine output falls, or symptoms worsen after initial improvement. These features can signal low oxygen, dehydration, or infection affecting the whole body.

Ask what cause is suspected, whether oxygen measurement or a chest image is needed, and which changes should prompt urgent reassessment. Confirm how to use each medicine and when it is reasonable to resume usual work, exercise, or school.