The lung infection can be serious if not treated quickly
While coughs and colds are widespread this time of year, certain symptoms could indicate a more serious illness, such as pneumonia. Identifying the difference between a common cough and a potentially dangerous lung infection can prove vital in securing prompt treatment and a swift recovery.
To help clarify the warning signs, Dr Claire Agathou, co-founder of the A-Z General Practice at The Wellington Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK, outlined precisely what pneumonia is, what its primary symptoms are, and when to seek medical advice.
She said: “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 30 days.
What causes pneumonia?
Dr Agathou said: “Pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria called streptococcus pneumoniae, but viruses and less commonly fungi can also trigger it. We often call this an atypical pneumonia.”
She added: “Pneumonia 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.”
What are the key differences between pneumonia and a regular cough?
Dr Agathou said: “Typically 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 highlights that pneumonia coughs are typically “productive”, i. e, bring up mucus or phlegm. The doctor added: “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.”
Other key symptoms to look out for
Dr Agathou stressed that ‘chest pain’ or ‘pain when breathing in’ is another key symptom. She added: “Another common symptom that we see, particularly in older adults, is confusion. In addition, 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 more at risk?
While it’s possible for anyone to get pneumonia, it’s more common in some patients than others. Dr Agathou said: “It is possible for anyone to develop pneumonia and many healthy adults recover well with antibiotics. However, the rates are much higher in vulnerable communities – so in the elderly or people with reduced immune function or respiratory conditions.”
She added: “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 go to a GP about your symptoms?
Dr Agathou advised: “If you’ve got a cough that’s just lingering and persisting after five to seven days, you should be seen by a doctor. But, 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 is pneumonia diagnosed?
The doctor explained the main ways pneumonia is diagnosed. She said: “When you go to a GP, we check your oxygen levels, your breathing rate, your temperature, your pulse and all of these things that can indicate to us how severe the infection is. We also listen to your chest to see if we can hear anything unusual and if we are very concerned we can organise an X-ray.”
How is pneumonia treated and managed?
Thankfully, most cases of pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics and fluids. 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?
Dr Agathou explained: “In the colder months, our immune systems are working harder because of the stress from a cold response, and also because infections tend to spread more. 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?
The doctor stressed the importance of strengthening your immune system. She said: “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. In addition, 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.
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