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Coughs and colds are common at this time of year, but how can you tell if it could be a sign of a more serious illness like pneumonia?
Recognizing the difference between a normal cough and a potentially dangerous lung infection can play a vital role in ensuring timely treatment and smooth recovery.
To help clarify the signs, we spoke to Dr. Claire Agathou, co-founder of AZ General Practice Wellington HospitalPart of HCA Healthcare UK, which explains exactly what pneumonia is, its key symptoms and when to seek medical advice.
What is pneumonia?
“Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation of the tiny air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli, which then fill with fluid or pus,” explains Agathou. “This makes it more difficult for oxygen to get into the bloodstream, causing cough, shortness of breath and fever.
“It can affect just one lung or sometimes both and can range from mild to life-threatening.”
according to Asthma + Lungs UK518,525 hospitalized due to pneumonia alone England last year and about a fifth of these patients were readmitted after 30 days.
what causes it?
“Pneumonia is often caused by a bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, but viruses and, less commonly, fungi can also trigger it. We often call this atypical pneumonia,” says Agathou. “Pneumonia can develop after a viral illness like the flu when the immune system becomes really weak or when bacteria enter the lungs.”
How can I tell if my cough is likely from pneumonia versus a viral infection or allergy? Are there any significant differences to look for?“Usually a more viral or allergic cough is on the drier side. Sometimes, if it’s viral, it’s also associated with a sore throat or a feeling of slight congestion and usually resolves on its own after a week or two,” says Agathou.
However, she highlights that the cough with pneumonia is typically “productive,” that is, bringing up sputum or phlegm.
“If you’re coming up with green, yellow or rust-colored phlegm and are starting to feel very feverish, having trouble breathing, those are the things that would make you think it could be pneumonia,” says Agathou. “You will usually feel more unwell and weak with pneumonia than with symptoms such as a common cold or hay fever if it is allergy-related.”
Are there any other key symptoms to look out for?
“Another big thing to pay attention to is chest pain, or pain when breathing,” Agathou highlights. “Another common symptom we see, especially in older adults, is confusion. Also, when you get pneumonia you may urinate a lot less and become dehydrated, so those are some other things to pay attention to.”
Who is at greater risk?
“Anyone can get pneumonia, and many healthy adults recover with antibiotics,” says Agathou. “However, rates are much higher in vulnerable communities – so the elderly or people with reduced immune function or respiratory conditions.
“It’s really important that infants, the elderly or those with chronic conditions, a weakened immune system or respiratory problems have symptoms very promptly.”
When should you see a GP about your symptoms?
“If you have a cough that is persistent and persists beyond five to seven days, you should see a doctor,” Agathou advises. “But, regardless of the time frame, if you have a very severe cough, you feel really unwell and start to feel like your breathing is getting out of normal, I would get checked by a GP immediately.
“If there is any pneumonia, we want to treat it as soon as possible when it’s mild, to keep it from getting more serious.”
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
“When you go to a GP, we check your oxygen levels, your breathing rate, your temperature, your pulse and all these things that can give us an indication of how serious the infection is,” explains Agathou. “We also listen to your chest sounds to see if we can hear anything abnormal and if we are very concerned we can arrange for an X-ray.”
How is pneumonia treated and managed?
“If it’s a simple pneumonia, antibiotics and fluids are the primary sources of management,” says Agathou. “Oral antibiotics are usually prescribed, provided the person is able-bodied, not vomiting, and in a suitable condition to be treated at home. However, the most severe cases require hospital care, oxygen support, and fluids.”
Why are people more susceptible to pneumonia during the colder months?
“In the colder months, our immune system is working harder because of the stress response to the cold, and infections also spread more,” says Agathou. “We also know that flu is more common in the winter months, and when people have flu or a virus it means their immune system may be weaker and that’s why you’re more likely to get pneumonia.”
Is there any way to prevent pneumonia?
“It’s all about making sure your immune system is kept as strong as possible,” says Agathou. “For example, doing things that can help us fight infection better, like making sure you’re dressed warm and taking multivitamins.
“In addition, if you are eligible for flu and/or covid Vaccines you should consider.
For more information about protecting your lung health this winter, visit asthmaandlung.org.uk/withyouthiswinter