Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?
What causes pneumonia?
Where does the infection come from?
Who gets pneumonia and how common is it?
Pneumonia in children
Symptoms
Treatment
Can anything be done to prevent pneumonia?

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection which causes the air sacs in the lungs (called the alveoli), and the smaller bronchial tubes to become inflamed and fill with fluid. Special white blood cells then travel to the lungs to fight off the infection. This makes it hard for the lungs to do their job: which is to get oxygen from the air into the bloodstream and then around the whole body.

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What causes pneumonia?

Many different germs can cause the infection that results in pneumonia. Although some are common and easy to identify, in quite a few people with pneumonia the germ causing the problem is never discovered.

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Where does the infection come from?

Some germs, particularly viruses, are breathed into the lungs because they are present in the air, especially if someone nearby has an infection and is coughing or sneezing. Others, including some bacteria, already live in the throat. They usually do no harm but may get into the lungs if you are ‘under the weather’ or weakened by a virus. Some of the rarer types of pneumonia may arise from unusual sources. The germs which cause Legionnaires’ disease are sometimes found in faulty air-conditioning systems or water showers. And you can get the germ that causes psittacosis from sick parrots.

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Who gets pneumonia and how common is it?

Anyone can get pneumonia – even the young and fit. However, it is more common (and usually more serious) in the very young, the very old, people who smoke and in anyone weakened by long-term illness - especially if the illness interferes with the body’s normal defences against infection.

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Pneumonia in children

Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children, especially in the pre-school years. It will generally settle within a few days. Antibiotics do not help. Bacterial germs can also cause pneumonia and it is sometimes difficult to decide whether it is a virus or bacteria that is causing the problem. If there is any doubt, the doctor will usually give you antibiotics.

Occasionally, children with pneumonia become very unwell and will need to be admitted to hospital. Often, they are given oxygen to help with their breathing.

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Symptoms

People with pneumonia usually feel ill, feverish and off their food. These symptoms are similar to flu, but people with pneumonia nearly always have a cough (often with mucky sputum), and they may be short of breath with a feeling of tightness in the chest. At this point, it is a good idea to consult a GP.

Sometimes you can feel a sharp pain in the side, which is worse when you breathe. This can happen if the infection also involves the lining of the lung. This condition is called pleurisy. If you feel this pain, you should definitely see a doctor.

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Treatment

Antibiotics are the main treatment. A high fluid intake is important and sometimes you may need pain killers. If you smoke, it is very important to stop.

Most people with pneumonia are treated at home by their GP. About one person in ten is ill enough to need to go to hospital for more specialised care.

Most people make a complete recovery but, although the fever may improve quickly, a feeling of tiredness and lethargy can last for up to six weeks.
Rest is an important part of making a full recovery. Make sure you listen to your body - do not rush your recovery.

Unfortunately, a few people still die from pneumonia, and research is being directed at this group of individuals to see what can be done to improve things in the future.

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Can anything be done to prevent pneumonia?

Not smoking is the most important thing. Smokers are at increased risk of pneumonia. Pneumonia and all chest infections in children are more common when parents smoke. It’s a good idea for anyone with long-standing lung problems to have a flu jab at the beginning of winter.

Sometimes flu can lead onto pneumonia, especially in the old and unwell. There is also a vaccine available to protect against the commonest cause of pneumonia, called pneumococcal pneumonia. This vaccine is also recommended for anyone with lung or heart problems and most people only need to have it once.