Overview
Pneumonia is an infection deep in the lungs that fills the air sacs with fluid, making breathing difficult. It can follow a cold or flu and is most dangerous in young children, the elderly and people with chronic illness — it remains a leading cause of child deaths in Nigeria. Prompt treatment is usually very effective.
Symptoms
- Cough, often with yellow, green or rusty sputum
- Fever and chills
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Chest pain that worsens on breathing in
- Weakness and fatigue
- Fast breathing or chest in-drawing in children
- Confusion (especially in the elderly)
Causes & risk factors
- Bacterial or viral infection of the lungs
- Recent cold, flu or measles weakening the airways
- Smoking or indoor smoke from firewood and generators
- Weakened immunity, malnutrition or chronic disease
Treatment & self-care
Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a clinician, with rest, fluids and fever control; severe cases need hospital admission and oxygen. Children are protected by routine immunisation (including pneumococcal vaccine) and good nutrition. Never ignore fast breathing in a child.
See a doctor urgently if
- Fast, laboured breathing or chest in-drawing in a child
- Bluish lips or difficulty completing sentences
- High fever with shaking chills
- Chest pain or coughing blood
- Drowsiness or confusion
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call 112 or 199 — do not wait for an online consultation.