Pneumonia infection

 Pneumonia
 Pneumonia is an inflammation of your lungs, usually caused by an infection of your lung tissue by one of many different germs (micro-organisms).
If you have pneumonia, the infection causes the air sacs (alveoli) and smaller airways in your lungs to become inflamed. Your lungs can't work properly and aren’t able to get enough oxygen from the air into your blood. Pneumonia is caused by micro-organisms which include bacteria, viruses and fungi. Most infections occur in the autumn or winter and around one in four people with pneumonia are admitted to hospital.
If you have been infected at home or at work, it’s referred to as 'community-acquired' pneumonia. If you have been infected in hospital, it’s known as ‘hospital-acquired’ pneumonia.
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Close  How pneumonia affects the lungs
How pneumonia affects the lungs
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection of the lung tissue  
  Details Symptoms Symptoms of pneumonia  If you have pneumonia, you will feel unwell and have symptoms that may be similar to flu or a chest infection. If you have pneumonia caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium (the most common cause), it can start suddenly and rapidly get worse.
Symptoms of pneumonia may include:
•a cough – this may be dry at first and then becomes a green/yellow or rust-coloured and smelly phlegm
•a fever
•breathlessness or faster breathing
•pain in your chest
•shivering and night sweats
•loss of appetite
•confusion and unsteadiness, especially if you’re over 65
•muscle aches and pains
These symptoms aren't always caused by pneumonia, but if you have any then you should visit your GP. If your symptoms are severe, then seek urgent medical attention. Sometimes pneumonia can make it difficult to breathe in enough oxygen, which can be very dangerous. If your lips or the skin under your fingernails become bluish, call 999 immediately.
 Diagnosis Diagnosis of pneumonia  Your GP will ask about your symptoms and examine you. He or she will tap on your chest and listen to how your breath sounds with a stethoscope.
Other tests you may have include:
•a chest X-ray to find out where the infection is and how severe it is
•measuring the amount of oxygen in your blood using a device that clips onto your finger
•blood tests
•a phlegm sample to send to a laboratory for testing
•a urine sample
 Treatment Treatment of pneumonia  Medicines
The type of antibiotic that your GP prescribes depends on what type of bacteria has caused your pneumonia. If your GP isn't sure which type has caused the pneumonia, he or she may give you an antibiotic that covers a range of bacteria.
You will usually need to take the antibiotics for approximately five to seven days. If you’re not feeling better within 48 hours after starting the antibiotics, it’s important to tell your GP. This is because the bacteria causing the infection may be resistant to the antibiotics. Your GP may then prescribe a different type of antibiotic.
The antibiotics won’t work if your pneumonia is caused by a virus because antibiotics only fight bacteria, not viruses. Your body’s immune system will create antibodies to destroy the virus.
Hospital treatment
If you’re very ill, your GP may decide to refer you to hospital.
You may be given antibiotics through a drip. As you get better, you may be able to come off the drip and take antibiotic tablets.
If you’re very ill in hospital, you might need to have oxygen to help your breathing or may even need help to breathe with a ventilator – an artificial breathing machine.
Self-help
If you have pneumonia you should:
•stop smoking
•drink enough fluids
•rest
If you’re resting in bed, turn over at least once every hour while you’re awake. To help clear any phlegm that has settled in your lungs, breathe deeply five to 10 times, followed by a few strong coughs.
If you have a fever you can take paracetamol, or for a child, a children’s paracetamol (eg Calpol). Always read the patient information that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.