Patient education: Community-acquired pneumonia in adults (The Basics)

What is pneumonia? — Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause coughing, fever, and trouble breathing (figure 1). The lung infection is often caused by bacteria, but it can also be caused by viruses or other germs.

Doctors use the term "community-acquired" when a person catches an infection in their daily life, and not from being in the hospital. Doctors call it "hospital-acquired" when people catch an infection from being in the hospital.

Community-acquired pneumonia can be mild or severe. A mild infection is sometimes called "walking pneumonia." That's because most people with walking pneumonia are not very sick and can still walk around and do their daily activities.

What are the symptoms of community-acquired pneumonia? — Common symptoms include:

●Cough – People sometimes cough up mucus (sputum).

●Fever

●Chest pain, especially when taking a deep breath

●A fast heartbeat

●Shaking chills

Should I see a doctor or nurse? — Yes. If you have the symptoms listed above, see a doctor or nurse as soon as possible.

Will I need tests? — Probably. Your doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms and do an exam. They will probably do a chest X-ray to look for an infection in your lungs.

Depending on your individual situation, you might need other tests. These can include blood tests or lab tests on a sample of mucus that you cough up.

How is community-acquired pneumonia treated? — Doctors treat community-acquired pneumonia with antibiotic medicines. These medicines kill the germs that are causing the infection. Most people can take antibiotic pills at home, but some people need to be treated in the hospital. People who are treated in the hospital usually get antibiotics through a thin tube that goes into their vein, called an "IV." Some people who are treated in the hospital also get extra oxygen to help them breathe more easily.

Most people start to feel better within 3 to 5 days of taking their medicine. But a cough from pneumonia can last weeks or months after treatment. If your symptoms do not improve or get worse after starting treatment, tell your doctor or nurse.

Is there anything else I can do to take care of myself? — Yes. You can:

●Get plenty of rest

●Drink plenty of fluids

What can I do to keep from getting pneumonia again? — To avoid germs, you can wash your hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol hand rubs.

You can also get certain vaccines to help keep you from getting pneumonia again. Vaccines can prevent certain serious or deadly infections. You should get the flu vaccine every year. Depending on your individual situation, your doctor might also recommend that you get the pneumococcal vaccine. This can help keep you from getting an infection from the kind of bacteria that most commonly causes pneumonia.

If you smoke, quitting smoking is also an important way to help prevent pneumonia. In general, a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, can also help prevent many problems, including pneumonia.

More on this topic

Patient education: Hospital-acquired pneumonia (The Basics)
Patient education: Pneumonia in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Shortness of breath (The Basics)
Patient education: Flu (The Basics)
Patient education: Flu vaccine (The Basics)
Patient education: What you should know about vaccines (The Basics)
Patient education: Pneumonia in children (The Basics)

Patient education: Pneumonia in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Pneumonia prevention in adults (Beyond the Basics)