Pneumonia: Symptoms, Risks, and When to Seek Medical Care

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. These air sacs can fill with fluid or pus, making breathing difficult and reducing oxygen levels in the body. Pneumonia is most commonly caused by bacteria, but it can also result from viruses or, less commonly, fungi.

Symptoms may appear suddenly within 24–48 hours or develop gradually over several days.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia

Typical symptoms include:

• Cough that may be dry or produce thick mucus (green, yellow, brown, or blood-streaked)

• Fever, chills, and sweating

• Rapid heartbeat

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

• Chest pain that worsens with coughing or deep breathing

• Loss of appetite

• General feeling of being unwell

Less common symptoms may include:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Headache

• Wheezing

• Nausea or vomiting

• Muscle and joint pain

• Confusion or disorientation, particularly in older adults

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical care should be sought if an individual develops pneumonia symptoms, especially if they worsen or interfere with daily activities.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Severe chest pain

• Rapid or laboured breathing

• Bluish lips or fingertips

• Confusion or altered mental status

Prompt assessment is especially important for vulnerable individuals.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Certain groups in Canada are at a higher risk of developing serious pneumonia complications, including:

• Older adults

• Infants and young children

• Individuals who smoke or vape

• People with chronic conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, or heart, kidney, or liver disease

• Those with weakened immune systems (e.g., chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS, post-transplant medications, recent severe illness)

Management and Recovery

Mild pneumonia can often be managed at home with:

• Prescribed antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia)

• Adequate rest

• Increased fluid intake

Many otherwise healthy adults respond quickly to treatment, though coughing and fatigue may persist for several weeks.

Pneumonia is generally not contagious once treatment has begun, but individuals with weakened immune systems should avoid close contact until recovery is underway.

Severe cases, particularly among high-risk individuals, may require hospitalization for oxygen therapy, intravenous medications, and close monitoring. Pneumonia can be life-threatening if complications develop.

Educational Notice

This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Recognizing breathing distress, fever-related illness, and signs of infection is an important component of emergency preparedness and first aid education.