What should you know about salmonella pneumonia?

Pneumonia develops when infection inflames the air sacs and surrounding lung tissue. Salmonella is an uncommon cause compared with many other germs, but it can affect people who are medically vulnerable or whose infection has spread. [Cough](/symptoms/cough/), [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), [Chills](/symptoms/chills/) and [Coughing Up Phlegm](/symptoms/coughing-up-phlegm/) can occur, but symptoms alone cannot identify the organism.

Clinicians may listen to the lungs, check oxygen levels, arrange imaging and take blood or respiratory samples. Other causes, including [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/) and [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/), may resemble pneumonia, so testing and examination matter.

Arrange medical review for a new cough with fever, breathlessness or worsening weakness, especially if you have a long-term lung condition or reduced immunity. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed, rest and drink enough to avoid dehydration unless your clinician has set a fluid restriction. Avoid smoking and close contact with vulnerable people while acutely unwell. Do not use someone else's antibiotics.

Call emergency services for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, collapse or inability to stay awake. Seek urgent assessment for chest pain, rapidly worsening breathlessness, persistent high fever, coughing blood or marked weakness. A severe infection can affect the whole body and lead to [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/), which requires immediate treatment.

Ask which tests can identify the cause, whether you need hospital monitoring, how to use prescribed medicines, and which warning signs should send you back urgently. Mention recent hospital care, travel, immune problems, antibiotic use and any change in breathing.