• MRCP - Royal College of Physicians, London, UK

  • Super-Specialty trainings in Pulmonology from Leading Hospitals in Yorkshire and Manchester, UK
GET AN APPOINTMENT!

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs,

  Home   |   Pneumonia

Pneumonia

Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is inflammation and fluid in your lungs caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. It makes it difficult to breathe and can cause a fever and cough with yellow, green or bloody mucus. The flu, COVID-19 and pneumococcal disease are common causes of pneumonia. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pneumonia causes your lung tissue to swell (inflammation) and can cause fluid or pus in your lungs. Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia, which often resolves on its own.

Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs. Pneumonia in both of your lungs is called bilateral or double pneumonia.

What’s the difference between viral and bacterial pneumonia?

While all pneumonia is inflammation caused by an infection in your lungs, you may have different symptoms depending on whether the root cause is a virus, bacteria or fungi.

Bacterial pneumonia tends to be more common and more severe than viral pneumonia. It’s more likely to require a hospital stay. Providers treat bacterial pneumonia with antibiotics. Viral pneumonia causes flu-like symptoms and is more likely to resolve on its own. You usually don’t need specific treatment for viral pneumonia.

What are the types of pneumonia?

We categorize pneumonia by which pathogen (virus, bacteria or fungi) caused it and how you got it — community-acquired, hospital-acquired or ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)

When you get pneumonia outside of a healthcare facility, it’s called community-acquired pneumonia. Causes include:

  • Bacteria: Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also called pneumococcal disease, is the most common cause of CAP. Pneumococcal disease can also cause ear infections, sinus infections and meningitis. Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria causes atypical pneumonia, which usually has milder symptoms. Other bacteria that cause CAP include Haemophilus influenza, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Legionella (Legionnaires’ disease).
  • Viruses: Viruses that cause the common cold, the flu (influenza), COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can sometimes lead to pneumonia.
  • Fungi (molds): Fungi, like Cryptococcus, Pneumocystis jirovecii and Coccidioides, are uncommon causes of pneumonia. People with compromised immune systems are most at risk of getting pneumonia from a fungus.
  • Protozoa: Rarely, protozoa like Toxoplasma cause pneumonia.
Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)

You can get hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) while in a hospital or healthcare facility for another illness or procedure. HAP is usually more serious than community-acquired pneumonia because it’s often caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). This means HAP can make you sicker and be harder to treat.

Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP)

You can get HCAP while in a long-term care facility (such as a nursing home) or outpatient, extended-stay clinics. Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, it’s usually caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)

If you need to be on a respirator or breathing machine to help you breathe in the hospital (usually in the ICU), you’re at risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The same types of bacteria as community-acquired pneumonia, as well as the drug-resistant kinds that cause hospital-acquired pneumonia, cause VAP.

Prevention

How can I prevent pneumonia?

The best way to prevent pneumonia is to get vaccinated against bacteria and viruses that commonly cause it. There are also everyday precautions you can take to help reduce your risk of pneumonia.

Vaccines for pneumonia

There are two types of vaccines (shots) that prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Similar to a flu shot, these vaccines won’t protect against all types of pneumonia, but if you do get sick, it’s less likely to be severe.

  • Pneumococcal vaccines: Pneumovax23® and Prevnar13® protect against pneumonia bacteria. They’re each recommended for certain age groups or those with increased risk for pneumonia. Ask your healthcare provider which vaccine would be appropriate for you or your loved ones.
  • Vaccinations against viruses: As certain viruses can lead to pneumonia, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu can help reduce your risk of getting pneumonia.
  • Childhood vaccinations: If you have children, ask their healthcare provider about other vaccines they should get. Several childhood vaccines help prevent infections caused by the bacteria and viruses that can lead to pneumonia.
Other ways to reduce your risk of pneumonia

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can reduce your risk of getting and spreading pneumonia with some healthy habits:

  • Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking damages your lungs and makes you more likely to get an infection.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, before handling food and after using the restroom. If soap isn’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid close contact and sharing items with other people if either of you has an infectious disease such as the flu, a cold or COVID-19.
  • If you have to stay in a hospital or other healthcare facility, don’t be afraid to ask your providers about how to reduce your risk of getting an infection during your stay.
  • Eat a healthy diet, exercise and get enough rest.
  • Get treated for any other infections or health conditions you may have. These conditions could weaken your immune system, which could increase your chance of pneumonia.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

Outlook / Prognosis

What can I expect if I have pneumonia?

If you’re otherwise healthy, you can recover quickly from pneumonia when you get prompt care. However, pneumonia can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially if you have an underlying health condition.

Even people who’ve been successfully treated and have fully recovered may face long-term health issues. After recovering from pneumonia, you may experience:

  • Decreased ability to exercise.
  • Worsening of cardiovascular disease.
  • General decline in quality of life.

Children who’ve recovered from pneumonia have an increased risk of chronic lung diseases.

Follow up with your healthcare provider if you have ongoing health concerns after recovering from pneumonia.

What are possible complications of pneumonia?

Pneumonia can lead to serious complications that can require hospitalization, including:

  • Breathing difficulties. Pneumonia can lead to respiratory failure or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
  • Fluid around your lungs (pleural effusion).
  • Bacteria in your bloodstream (bacteremia), or sepsis. The bacteria that cause pneumonia can enter your bloodstream, spreading the infection to other organs and leading to sepsis or organ failure.
  • Lung abscess. Pneumonia can lead to pus-filled holes in your lungs.
When would I need to be hospitalized for pneumonia?

If you have a severe case of pneumonia or complications, you may need to stay in the hospital for treatment. You’re more likely to be hospitalized for pneumonia if you’re:

  • Under age 2 or over age 65.
  • Have a weakened immune system.
  • Have health conditions that affect your heart and lungs.

It may take six to eight weeks to feel back to normal if you’ve been hospitalized with pneumonia.

Living With

What can I do to feel better if I have pneumonia?

You can help yourself feel better while you have pneumonia by:

  • Managing your symptoms as recommended by your healthcare provider.
  • Finishing all medications and therapies prescribed by your provider. Don’t stop taking antibiotics when you start feeling better. Continue taking them until no pills remain. If you don’t take all of your antibiotics, your pneumonia may come back.
  • If your provider has recommended over-the-counter medicines to reduce fever (aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen), take them as directed on the label. Never give aspirin to children.
  • Getting lots of rest.
  • If at any time you start to feel worse, call your doctor right away.
What are some signs that pneumonia is improving?

As you begin to recover from pneumonia, your temperature will probably return to normal first. After that, you may notice that you’re coughing up less mucus. Feeling like you’re up to returning to some of your normal activities is a good sign that you’re improving.

When can I return to work, school and regular activities if I have pneumonia?

You can typically resume your normal activities if your symptoms are gone, mild or improving and you don’t have new or worsening:

  • Shortness of breath or tiredness (less energy).
  • Chest pain.
  • Mucus, fever or cough.

If you’re generally healthy, most people feel well enough to return to previous activities in about a week. However, it may take about a month to feel totally back to normal.

When should I see a healthcare provider?

Especially if you’ve been sick or have an underlying health condition, call your doctor if you have new or worsening:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Fever or cough with mucus.
  • Tiredness (fatigue).
  • Change in appetite (you feel less hungry).
When should I go to the emergency room?

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you:

  • Struggle to breathe or are short of breath while sitting still.
  • Have new or worsening chest pain.
  • Are confused or can’t think clearly.

Additional Common Questions

Is it possible to have pneumonia without having a fever?

Yes, while fever is common in pneumonia, it’s possible to have pneumonia with a low fever or no fever. This is more likely if you:

  • Are older than 65 or younger than 2 (especially newborns and infants).
  • Have a weakened immune system.
Is pneumonia treated any differently in children?

Pneumonia isn’t usually treated any differently in children. However, young children can be at higher risk for severe illness from pneumonia. They’re more likely to be hospitalized for treatment than adults.