Pneumonia
A chest infection that needs timely care

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which can fill with fluid or pus. It causes cough, fever and breathlessness. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or, less often, fungi. Most people recover fully with the right treatment, but pneumonia can be serious for babies, older adults and people with long-term illnesses, so early assessment matters.

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About pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

In pneumonia, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid, so less oxygen passes into the blood. Pneumonia picked up in daily life is called community-acquired pneumonia; infection that starts during a hospital stay is treated differently. The cause, your age and your general health decide whether you can be treated at home or need hospital care.

  • Common causes: bacteria such as pneumococcus, and viruses such as influenza
  • Higher risk: children under 5, adults over 65 and smokers
  • Diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease raise the risk
  • Vaccines lower the risk of some types
  • Most people improve within 1 to 3 weeks

Assess

Examination and oxygen level.

Confirm

Chest X-ray and blood tests.

Treat

Antibiotics or antivirals as needed.

Recover

Rest, fluids and follow-up.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia

Symptoms can come on over a day or two, or more slowly.

Cough

Often with yellow, green or blood-stained phlegm.

Fever and chills

Shivering, sweating and high temperature.

Breathlessness

Short of breath, even at rest.

Chest pain

Sharp pain on breathing in or coughing.

Fast breathing

Breathing faster than usual.

Tiredness

Weakness and loss of appetite.

Confusion

Can be the main sign in older adults.

Poor feeding

Babies may feed poorly or be very sleepy.

Go to emergency if: breathing is very hard, lips look bluish, the person is confused or very drowsy, or a child has fast breathing with the chest pulling in. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How pneumonia is diagnosed

Your doctor listens to your chest and checks your oxygen.

Examination

Chest sounds, breathing rate and temperature.

Pulse oximetry

A clip on the finger measures oxygen.

Chest X-ray

Shows the area of infection.

Blood tests

Blood count, CRP and kidney function; blood culture if unwell.

Other tests

Phlegm test, or a CT scan if the picture is unclear.

Treatment

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how unwell you are.

Treatment at home

Many adults with mild pneumonia take antibiotic tablets at home and recover well. Viral pneumonia does not respond to antibiotics, but some flu-related cases need antiviral medicine.

Complete the full course of medicineParacetamol for fever and painPlenty of fluids and rest

Follow-up

  • Review in 2 to 3 days if not improving
  • A repeat X-ray after some weeks in some adults

Good to know

  • Cough can last a few weeks
  • Tiredness may take longer to settle
Recovery

Recovering from pneumonia

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Rest and fluids

Rest well, drink fluids and eat light meals. Do not take cough suppressants without advice, as coughing clears phlegm.

Stop smoking

Smoking slows lung healing and raises the risk of another pneumonia.

Vaccination

Ask your doctor about pneumococcal and yearly flu vaccines, especially if you are over 65 or have a long-term illness.

Contact us urgently if

  • Breathing becomes harder
  • Lips or fingertips turn bluish
  • New confusion or drowsiness
  • Fever returns after improving
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about pneumonia

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Pneumonia is just a bad cold.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Pneumonia infects the lungs themselves and can lower oxygen levels. It needs medical assessment.

Myth

“Antibiotics cure every pneumonia.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia only. Your doctor decides which medicine is needed.

Myth

“Once the fever goes, I can stop medicines.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Stopping early can let the infection return. Complete the course as advised.

Your care team

Chest physicians and paediatrician

Pulmonary medicine Internal medicine Critical care
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Chest X-ray films or reports
  • List of current medicines
  • Any recent blood test reports

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is pneumonia contagious?

The germs that cause pneumonia can spread through coughs and sneezes, but not everyone exposed develops pneumonia. Cover coughs and wash hands often.

How long does recovery take?

Most people feel better in 1 to 3 weeks. Cough and tiredness can last longer, especially in older adults.

Do I need to be admitted?

Your doctor decides based on oxygen level, breathing, age, blood tests and other illnesses. Many people are treated at home.

Can pneumonia be prevented?

Vaccines, not smoking, good control of diabetes and hand hygiene lower the risk.

Glossary

Words you may hear

AlveoliTiny air sacs in the lungs where oxygen enters the blood.
Pulse oximetryA finger clip that measures blood oxygen.
SputumPhlegm coughed up from the lungs.
Community-acquiredPneumonia picked up outside hospital.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Pulmonary medicine Asthma COPD Tuberculosis (TB) Health library

Cough with fever and breathlessness?

Get your chest checked early. See a chest physician at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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