A cough that won't quit. Chills that come out of nowhere. With symptoms like these, it's tempting to assume you've just got the common cold. But sometimes, it's something more serious—like pneumonia. Pneumonia is also a common infection, but it can turn dangerous fast.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make it harder to breathe. How mild or severe it gets depends on your age, your health and the cause of the infection—bacteria, virus or fungi.
Worldwide, pneumonia kills more people than any other infectious disease—in fact, 2.5 million people died from it in 2023 alone. The very young and very old are most vulnerable. Your risk also goes up if you:
• Are 2 years old or under.
• Are 65 or older.
• Smoke.
• Drink heavily.
• Have lung disease or another chronic condition.
• Have a weakened immune system.
• Recently had a cold or the flu.
Know what to watch for
Symptoms of pneumonia range from barely noticeable to severe, depending on the source of the infection and your risk factors.
Common signs include:
• Persistent cough, often with green, yellow or bloody mucus.
• Fever, sweating and chills.
• Chest pain when you breathe or cough.
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
• Low energy and loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting, especially in young children.
• Confusion, especially in older adults.
If you suspect you have pneumonia, don't wait for your condition to worsen. Call your provider right away. Pneumonia can sometimes cause serious complications, including bloodstream infections that can lead to septic shock, lung abscesses, pleural disorders, kidney failure or respiratory failure. So it's important to get prompt treatment, especially if you're at higher risk for complications.
The good news, though, is that pneumonia is usually treatable, often with antibiotics or antiviral medications. If your case is more severe, you may need to receive these treatments and others—like oxygen therapy—in the hospital.
Protect yourself
One of the best ways to lower your risk of pneumonia is to get the pneumococcal vaccine. It's recommended for all adults 50 and older, as well as for adults 19 to 49 at higher risk. Beyond the vaccine, you can help protect yourself by washing your hands often, choosing not to smoke and practicing other healthy habits.
Your Watson Clinic primary care provider can provide more information on how you can protect yourself from the dangers of pneumonia. Call 863-680-7190 to schedule an appointment with a member of our
Family Medicine or
Internal Medicine departments.
Sources: American Lung Association; Every Breath Counts Coalition; National Library of Medicine