How to recognise signs of pneumonia with Dr Claire Agathou

Most coughs are harmless and clear up on their own. But sometimes, what feels like a lingering cold can be something more serious. Knowing when a cough is just a cough and when it could be pneumonia can make all the difference.

Runny noses and chesty coughs are all part of common colds and flu, but how can you tell when it’s pneumonia?

Dr Claire Agathou, co-founder of the A-Z General Practice at The Wellington Hospital, shares insights on what pneumonia is, the symptoms to look out for and when to seek medical attention.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that affects the lungs. It causes inflammation in the tiny air sacs, which are called alveoli. These can then fill with fluid or pus, making it harder for oxygen to reach the bloodstream and leads to coughing, breathlessness and fever. The condition can affect one or both lungs and can range from mild to more severe.

It’s a common condition with more than 500,000 people in England admitted last year, according to data from Asthma + Lung UK.

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia is often caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, viruses and, less commonly, fungi can also trigger it. Pneumonia can also develop following a bout of flu, because the immune system is already run down or bacteria are inhaled in the lungs.

Different types of coughs

If your cough is caused by a viral infection or an allergy, it is typically dry. A sore throat and congestion may also be present with this type of cough, but it will usually improve by itself in a week or two. A pneumonia cough may bring up mucus or phlegm that is green, yellow or rusty-coloured.

You’ll often feel more unwell if it’s pneumonia, as your cough will likely be accompanied by fever, weakness and breathlessness.

Symptoms of pneumonia

One of the biggest symptoms of pneumonia is chest pain or discomfort when breathing. It may feel sharp or uncomfortable and often gets worse when you take a deep breath or cough. This should not be ignored, especially if it comes on suddenly. Another symptom to look out for, particularly in older adults, is confusion.

Low oxygen levels and dehydration can both cause people to feel disorientated or not quite themselves. Passing less urine than usual is also a common sign of pneumonia. If you experience any of these, it’s important to seek medical advice.

The good news is that when pneumonia is identified early, treatment is usually very effective and most people recover well.

Are you at risk of pneumonia?

Anyone can develop pneumonia, and most healthy adults will recover quickly with treatment. However, it is a much bigger risk for those in vulnerable communities, such as babies, the elderly and those with reduced immune function or respiratory conditions.

The outcomes for these patients can be more serious if left untreated, so if you spot any early warning signs, get them checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Book a check-up with the A-Z General Practice

Based at The Wellington Hospital Outpatients, the A-Z General Practice offers personalised care for the whole family. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or are worried about your health, you can book an appointment by calling +44 (0)20 7079 4269 or emailing azgp@hcahealthcare.co.uk. Learn more at azgp.co.uk.