Internal Medicine, by video or in person
Pneumonia
The signs, the danger signs that mean hospital now, and how to see a doctor by video from anywhere in Nigeria.
Signs to look for
Pneumonia
- Cough, often with yellow, green or rust-coloured phlegm
- Fever, sweating and shivering
- Breathing faster than usual, or feeling short of breath
- Sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing in or coughing
- Feeling very weak and tired
Pneumonia is an infection of the small air sacs of the lungs, which fill with fluid and make breathing harder. Bacteria, viruses and sometimes tuberculosis can cause it. It often follows a cold or flu that gets worse instead of better. Many healthy adults can be treated at home with antibiotics, but young children, older people, pregnant women and anyone with sickle cell disease, diabetes, HIV, heart, lung or kidney disease are more likely to need hospital care. A chest X-ray and blood tests help confirm it.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Cough, often with yellow, green or rust-coloured phlegm
- Fever, sweating and shivering
- Breathing faster than usual, or feeling short of breath
- Sharp chest pain that is worse when breathing in or coughing
- Feeling very weak and tired
- In older people: confusion or a sudden fall, sometimes without fever
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor the same day if you have a cough with fever and any shortness of breath or chest pain on breathing. Go to a hospital or emergency department now for breathing that is hard or very fast, blue lips or fingertips, confusion or drowsiness, chest pain, coughing up blood, or if the person has sickle cell disease and develops chest pain with fever, which can be acute chest syndrome.
Treatment options
- Antibiotics, usually tablets for mild pneumonia treated at home
- Rest, fluids and paracetamol for fever and pain
- A chest X-ray and blood tests to confirm it and judge its severity
- Hospital care with oxygen and antibiotics through a drip for severe pneumonia
- A check-up and sometimes a repeat X-ray after recovery
Common Questions
Can pneumonia be treated at home?
Mild pneumonia in an otherwise healthy adult often can, with antibiotics and a check after two or three days. A doctor decides from your breathing rate, oxygen level and other health problems whether home is safe.
How long does it take to recover?
Fever usually settles within a few days of starting antibiotics, but the cough and tiredness can last several weeks. Finish the full course even if you feel better.
Can pneumonia be prevented?
Vaccines against pneumococcus and flu lower the risk, especially for older people and those with long-term conditions. Not smoking and good control of diabetes also help.
Need Help?
A doctor on a video call, who advises on the right test and treatment, and tells you if you need to be seen in person.
See a doctor by videoIf any of the danger signs on this page applies, go to the nearest hospital now instead.
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