Pneumonia

Pneumonia is inflammation and infection affecting the small air sacs in the lungs. It can cause cough, fever, chest discomfort and difficulty breathing, although symptoms vary with age and health. Some cases require hospital care. An online symptom list cannot reliably distinguish pneumonia from other causes of a chest illness.

What makes pneumonia different from bronchitis?

Bronchitis mainly involves the larger airways, while pneumonia affects the air sacs where oxygen passes into the blood. Symptoms can overlap, so a doctor may need to examine the chest, check oxygen levels and arrange tests. The distinction cannot be made from mucus colour alone.

Describe how breathing and normal activity have changed. Mention pain with a deep breath, fever, confusion, reduced intake and existing heart or lung disease. In older people, a change in alertness or function can be important even when the cough seems modest.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Pneumonia - causes, symptoms and treatments - Healthdirect Australia.

How is severity assessed?

The clinician considers breathing effort, circulation, oxygen levels and overall health. Blood tests, a chest image or other tests may be appropriate. A doctor decides whether care can safely occur at home or whether hospital assessment is needed.

If managed at home, ask for specific follow-up instructions and what improvement should look like. Do not assume the absence of fever means recovery is complete. Worsening breathlessness, new chest pain or difficulty drinking needs reassessment. Keep track of treatment instructions and do not share or reuse an old prescription.

When should I call 000?

Severe breathing difficulty, blue lips, confusion, collapse or reduced consciousness requires emergency help. A very unwell child or baby with poor feeding also needs urgent assessment. Telehealth can help identify the appropriate next step, but suspected serious pneumonia needs an in-person examination and should not wait for a routine online appointment.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.