Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs which is usually caused by a bacterial infection. In otherwise healthy adults it often follows a viral respiratory infection especially flu. Some people are more at risk of getting pneumonia including ill patients in hospital, heavy smokers, immunosuppressed patients and intravenous drug users.It can often start suddenly or over a few few days. The symptoms include:
- A cough that is dry initially and then with sputum that is green, yellow or rusty coloured
- A high temperature (fever)
- Pain in the chest, especially when breathing deeply, coughing or sneezing
- Feeling short of breath
- Aching and feeling tired
- Wheezing when breathing
If you suspect you have pneumonia, have had a cough for more than 3 weeks, coughing up blood or short of breath you should seek an urgent appointment with your GP or Call NHS 111.
If you are struggling to breathe and /or your skin is very pale or blue you should call 999 (or 112) for an ambulance.
Pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics. More seriously ill patients are treated in hospital. People who are at high risk will be offered pneumococcal vaccination.