Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs which causes inflammation in the tiny air sacs in the lungs that then fill with fluid or pus
Coughs and colds are everywhere at this time of year. But if you’re starting to develop a cough, or it’s already in full swing, how can you distinguish when it might signal something far more serious like pneumonia?
Spotting the distinction between a common cough and the potentially life-threatening lung infection could prove vital in securing prompt treatment and ensuring a full recovery, experts have said.
Because many may not know the difference, Dr Claire Agathou has identified the warning signs. The co-founder of the A-Z General Practice at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, outlined precisely what pneumonia involves, its primary symptoms and when medical attention becomes essential.
What is pneumonia?
The doctor explained: “Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs which causes inflammation in the tiny air sacs in the lungs, which are called alveoli, which then fill with fluid or pus. This makes it much harder for oxygen to pass into the bloodstream which leads to coughing, breathlessness and fever. It can affect just one lung or sometimes both and ranges from mild to life threatening.”
According to Asthma + Lung UK, there were 518,525 hospital admissions for pneumonia alone in England last year and almost a fifth of these patients were readmitted again after just 30 days.
What causes pneumonia?
Dr Agathou revealed that pneumonia is often caused by bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae. However, viruses and less commonly fungi can also trigger it. She explained: “We often call this an atypical pneumonia” and noted that it can “develop after a viral illness like a flu when the immune system is really run down or when bacteria is inhaled into the lungs.”
How to tell if my cough is pneumonia rather than a viral infection or allergies
The health expert stressed that usually “a more viral or an allergic cough tends to be on the drier side. Sometimes, if it’s viral, it’s also linked to a sore throat or feeling a bit congested and usually improves itself after a week or two.”
However, she also highlighted that pneumonia coughs are typically “productive” – meaning they bring up mucus or phlegm.. The doctor explained: “If you’re bringing up green, yellow or rusty-coloured phlegm and start to feel very feverish, are experiencing any breathlessness, those would be the sort of things that would start to make you think it might be pneumonia.
“You will generally feel more unwell and weak with a pneumonia than you would with a simple cold or hay fever-like symptoms, if it was allergy related.”
Are there any other crucial symptoms to watch for?
Agathou said that “a big thing” to look out for is “chest pain, or pain when breathing in”. She also noted other signs and symptoms people should be aware of, saying that confusion is another sign which is often seen in older adults.
The reason for this is that “when you’ve got a pneumonia you may pass much less urine and tend to be dehydrated, so these are some other things to look out for.”
Who is most at risk?
Dr Agathou states that although it’s “possible for anyone to develop pneumonia and many healthy adults recover well with antibiotics”, she stressed that rates are “much higher in vulnerable communities” such as the elderly or people with reduced immune function or respiratory conditions.
She said: “It’s really important that babies, the elderly or those with chronic conditions, weaker immune systems or respiratory conditions displaying symptoms are seen to very promptly.”
When should you visit a GP regarding your symptoms?
You can visit your GP and express your concerns if your cough is lingering and persisting after five to seven days, Dr Agathou advised. She added: “Irrespective of time frame, if you have a really severe cough, feel really unwell and start to feel that your breathing is off the norm, then I would get checked out very quickly by a GP.
“If there is a pneumonia there, we want to treat it as soon as possible when it’s mild, to prevent you from getting much worse.”
How do doctors identify pneumonia?
Talking about what happens if you visit a GP, the doctor explained that they will “check your oxygen levels, your breathing rate, your temperature, your pulse and all of these things that can indicate” how severe the infection is.
She also noted that doctor will listen to your chest to see if they can hear anything unusual. If they’re “very concerned”, they will put you forward for an X-ray.
How is pneumonia treated and managed?
“If it’s a typical pneumonia, antibiotics and fluids are the primary sources management,” Dr Agathou said. “Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed, provided that the person is able, is not vomiting, and is in a suitable condition to be managed at home. However, the most severe cases need hospital care, oxygen support and fluid.”
Why are people more susceptible to pneumonia in the colder months?
The condition can happen more often during the colder months as our immune system tends to work harder due to the stress from the “cold response”. It can also happen more often as infections tend to spread more.
The doctor continued: “We also know that flu is more common in the winter months, and when people have flu or viruses it means their immune systems can be weaker and that’s why you’re more susceptible to getting pneumonia.”
Are there any ways to prevent yourself from getting pneumonia?
Yes. The doctor noted: “It is all about making sure that your immune system is kept as strong as possible. For example, doing things that can help us fight infection better, like making sure you’re dressed warmly and taking multivitamins.”
Concluding her advice, she nstressed that “if you are eligible for the flu and/or Covid vaccine, you should consider having these.”
For more information on protecting your lung health this winter, visit asthmaandlung.org.uk/withyouthiswinter