What should you know about pulmonia and pneumonia?

The infection can make the small air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid or inflammatory material, which may make breathing feel harder. Pneumonia can follow a viral illness such as Influenza or COVID-19, or be caused by bacteria and other germs. Symptoms may build gradually or become noticeable over a short time. A cough may bring up phlegm, and chest discomfort can worsen with deep breaths or coughing. A clinician may assess your breathing, listen to your chest, and decide whether tests or treatment are needed.

Rest, drink fluids if you can, and avoid smoking or smoky air. Check your temperature and notice whether breathlessness is changing. Follow prescribed medicines exactly; do not start leftover antibiotics because the cause may not be bacterial. Stay home while feverish and use good cough hygiene around others. Keep a record of symptoms and medicines to share at an appointment. See guidance on Cough, Coughing Up Phlegm, Fever, or Chills for related symptoms.

Arrange prompt medical assessment for new or worsening breathlessness, chest pain, persistent fever, confusion, marked weakness, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek emergency help if breathing is severely difficult, lips look blue or grey, you are difficult to wake, or symptoms suddenly deteriorate. People who are pregnant, very young, older, or living with heart, lung, or immune problems may need earlier advice. Sepsis can be a serious complication of infection and needs urgent attention.

Ask what may be causing the infection, whether your breathing needs checking, which treatments are appropriate, and which changes should trigger urgent help. Ask when you can return to normal activity and how to reduce spread to people at home.