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Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of lung tissue. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria or sometimes material going down the wrong way into the airways, known as aspiration. Common symptoms include coughing, fever, shortness of breath, pain on breathing, tiring easily and feeling unwell. Older people, young children and those with chronic illness can become seriously unwell more quickly. Pneumonia does not always need the same treatment. Appropriate antibiotic use therefore matters: use them only when suited to the likely cause and severity.

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  • Pneumonia is inflammation of lung tissue, often caused by infection.
  • The cause may be viral, bacterial or aspiration.
  • Coughing, fever, breathlessness and pain on breathing are common symptoms.
  • Older and vulnerable people can be seriously unwell with less obvious symptoms.
  • Not every case of pneumonia needs antibiotics. Appropriate, restrained use remains important.

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