When to seek emergency care: Seek emergency care for severe breathlessness, confusion, low oxygen levels, or bluish lips.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi and ranges from mild to life-threatening.
Other respiratory infections include acute bronchitis, influenza and viral infections. Older adults, young children, and people with diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease are at higher risk of complications.
Common symptoms
- Fever, chills and sweating
- Cough, often with phlegm
- Breathlessness or rapid breathing
- Chest pain that worsens on breathing or coughing
- Fatigue, loss of appetite and, in older adults, confusion
Possible causes & risk factors
- Bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Viruses such as influenza and other respiratory viruses
- Fungi in people with weakened immunity
- Aspiration of food or stomach contents
When should you consult a pulmonologist?
- Fever with cough and breathlessness
- Low oxygen saturation on a pulse oximeter
- Pneumonia that is not improving after appropriate treatment
- Repeated pneumonias in the same part of the lung
Diagnostic investigations
Your evaluation is tailored to your symptoms and history. It may include:
- Clinical examination and oxygen saturation
- Chest X-ray, ultrasound or CT scan
- Blood tests and sputum cultures
- Bronchoscopy with BAL for non-resolving or unusual pneumonia
- Pleural fluid sampling if fluid has collected
Available treatment approaches
- Antibiotics, antivirals or antifungals depending on the cause
- Oxygen and supportive care when required
- Hospital admission for moderate to severe illness
- Drainage of infected pleural fluid when present
- Vaccination to reduce future risk
Treatment is individualised. The options above are general information; your doctor will recommend what is appropriate for you after assessment. Outcomes vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Pneumococcal and annual influenza vaccines are recommended for many adults, particularly those over 50–65 years or with chronic illnesses. Your doctor can advise what is suitable for you.
