Pneumonia: assessment, treatment and recovery
Pneumonia severity varies between people. Learn about breathing symptoms, how treatment is selected and what to monitor during recovery.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is inflammation in the lungs, usually caused by infection. Bacteria, viruses and sometimes fungi may cause it; there is no single pneumonia virus. Cough, fever, chest pain, tiredness and breathlessness can occur. Babies, older adults and people with other illnesses may need closer assessment.
Diagnosis is not based on sputum colour alone
Assessment considers breathing, temperature and blood oxygen. A chest X-ray and blood or sputum tests may be requested when needed; not everyone needs every test. Share recent illness, travel, medicines and existing health problems. Sputum colour alone cannot determine the germ or whether antibiotics are needed.
Home treatment or hospital care?
Treatment depends on the likely cause, severity and other health conditions. Antibiotics target bacteria; some infections need other medicines. Oxygen, intravenous treatment or close monitoring may require hospital admission. If you are treated at home, clarify your medicine plan, review date and where to seek help if you worsen.
Monitoring recovery
- Take medicines as prescribed. Seek review if improvement has not begun within two to three days of starting antibiotics, or sooner if you worsen.
- Maintain rest, nutrition and a fluid intake suitable for you. Returning to activity may be gradual; there is no single recovery date for everyone.
- Avoid smoking and smoke exposure, cover coughs and wash hands. Ask your team about suitable vaccinations; no vaccine prevents every cause of pneumonia.
Do not wait if breathing worsens
Call 112 for marked breathing difficulty, inability to speak, blue lips or new confusion. Seek emergency help if a baby is difficult to wake or seems floppy or unresponsive. Bloody sputum, increasing breathlessness or chest pain need prompt assessment; do not wait for a scheduled review.
Information sources
These sources support general information; they do not confirm our hospital’s services or clinical approval.
This information is general and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your own situation with your healthcare team.
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