Side effects of pneumonia

Inflamed airways and air sacs can make breathing feel harder and can produce a cough, sometimes with phlegm. Fever, chills and reduced appetite may accompany the infection. Even after treatment begins, energy can return gradually rather than all at once.

A cough that is slowly easing can be part of recovery. New or increasing breathlessness, bluish lips, chest pain, faintness, or unusual drowsiness are different: they may signal that oxygen exchange or the wider response to infection needs assessment.

Take prescribed medicines exactly as directed and complete an antibiotic course if one was prescribed. Rest, drink fluids if you can, and avoid smoking or smoky air. Gentle activity can resume as strength returns, but stop if breathing becomes difficult.

Track whether fever, cough and breathing are improving. Arrange a review if symptoms are not settling as expected or return after improving. Pneumonia can have different causes, including infections related to [Influenza](/conditions/influenza/) or [COVID-19](/conditions/covid-19/).

Seek emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, collapse, new confusion, or inability to stay awake. These signs can indicate a serious effect on oxygen levels or the body's response to infection.

Contact a clinician promptly for worsening breathlessness, persistent high fever, coughing up blood, dehydration, or chest pain that is new or severe. A clinician may also assess possible complications such as [Sepsis](/conditions/sepsis/).

Ask what improvement should look like, how to pace activity, and whether you need a follow-up examination. You can also ask whether your cough, [Coughing Up Phlegm](/symptoms/coughing-up-phlegm/), fever or [Chills](/symptoms/chills/) needs further assessment.