It's that time of year when days are short and temperatures low. Right on schedule, many of us will be coming down with a common cold. However, a combination of different symptoms, and above all a deterioration in someone's health after they had appeared to be on the mend, can point to more than just a harmless cold. That is what makes pneumonia so tricky to spot: it comes with many symptoms that are not uniquely identifying, and it's hard to pin down how long you might have had it.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia develops when bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites attack the tissues of the lungs. Inhaling poisons can also cause this illness, but bacteria are the most common culprits. They are typically spread via droplet infection, e.g. when someone coughs or sneezes.

Pneumonia can be classified as typical or atypical.

Typical pneumonia:

• Caused by bacteria, generally pneumococcal
• General deterioration in health
• Sudden high temperature (often after the initial symptoms have improved)
• Productive cough (with the bacteria causing yellow-green mucus)
• Shortness of breath and heart palpitations

Atypical pneumonia:

• Caused by viruses or atypical bacteria
• Often the result of a benign infection of the upper airways
• Little or no fever
• Dry cough
• Shortness of breath
• Headache and aching limbs

 
Shortness of breath is common in infants. One key indicator of this is rapid flaring of the nostrils when breathing (reminiscent of the way in which a horse's nostrils move). Alongside faster breathing, another key sign of shortness of breath in infants and young children is that the skin between the ribs becomes visibly drawn in on the in-breath. Infants often struggle to drink and lack energy for activities other than breathing.

How is pneumonia treated?

It is hard to predict how cases of pneumonia and bronchitis will develop, as there is a lot of variability. On average, pneumonia lasts around three weeks, although this depends on age and pre-existing conditions. However, full recovery can sometimes take twice that long, so patience is required.

The following treatment options are available to relieve the symptoms of acute pneumonia or bronchitis:

Bacterial pneumonia, particularly in its typical form, may require a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics are ineffective against pneumonia caused by other pathogens such as atypical bacteria, viruses and fungi, and in the case of viral infections can actually be counterproductive. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other organs and cause complications.

What are the warning signs to look out for?

Consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Breathing difficulties, especially when at rest, when speaking or upon mild exertion that does not cause any other problems
• Fear of not getting enough air
• Blue discolouration of the lips or fingertips
• If you are immunodeficient or have any pre-existing conditions
• If you have a chronic lung condition
• Poor or rapidly deteriorating general state of health
• High temperature that does not come down by one degree one hour after taking the correct dose of an antipyretic