Can covid-19 cause pneumonia?

Pneumonia is inflammation in lung tissue. With COVID-19, inflammation can involve the small air sacs where oxygen moves into the blood. This may cause cough, fever, breathlessness, chest discomfort, unusual tiredness, or a lower ability to manage normal activity. Symptoms can overlap with an uncomplicated viral illness, so symptom severity and change over time matter. A clinician may assess breathing, oxygen level, chest findings, and other possible causes before deciding on treatment.

Rest, drink fluids if you can, and follow the treatment plan given by your clinician. Keep track of breathing, fever, alertness, and your ability to drink and move around. If you have an approved home oxygen monitor, use it according to its instructions and discuss concerning readings with a healthcare professional rather than relying on a single number. Avoid smoking and do not use antibiotics, steroids, or someone else’s inhaler unless prescribed for you.

Seek urgent medical help for worsening breathlessness, trouble speaking in full sentences, persistent chest pain or pressure, new confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or blue or grey lips. Get prompt advice if you cannot keep fluids down, become unusually sleepy, or breathing worsens after seeming to improve. People with existing lung, heart, immune, or other serious health conditions should seek advice early when COVID-19 symptoms affect breathing.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest lung involvement, how to monitor breathing at home, which treatments fit your health history, and which changes require emergency care. Ask when a follow-up assessment is needed.