What should you know about double pneumonia?

Pneumonia is inflammation and infection in lung tissue. When both lungs are affected, coughing, fever, chills, breathlessness, chest discomfort and coughing up phlegm may occur, although symptoms vary. COVID-19 and influenza can cause an illness that leads to pneumonia, and bacteria are another possible cause.

A clinician may assess breathing, oxygen level, chest sounds and overall condition, and may arrange imaging or other tests. Treatment depends on the cause and severity; antibiotics help some bacterial infections but do not treat viral infections.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if double pneumonia is suspected. Rest, drink fluids if you can, avoid smoking and take prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Do not use leftover antibiotics or delay review because a cough seems mild. People with older age, pregnancy, immune suppression or significant heart or lung disease may need especially prompt advice.

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, new confusion, collapse, severe chest pain or inability to stay awake. Urgent assessment is also needed for dehydration, coughing blood, or a fever and cough that are worsening rather than settling. Sepsis is a serious complication of infection and can cause extreme illness, confusion or very fast breathing.

Do both lungs appear affected, and what is the likely cause? Do I need imaging, oxygen monitoring or hospital care? Which medicines should I take, how should I monitor my breathing, and when should I return if recovery is slow?