Pneumonia
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. These tiny air sacs, called alveoli, may fill with fluid or pus. This makes it hard to breathe and limits oxygen flow to your bloodstream.
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. The infection can range from mild to life threatening. People with weak immune systems, chronic lung disease, or other health conditions face higher risks. Young children and adults over 65 are also more vulnerable.
Your body fights pneumonia with inflammation, which is part of the immune response. Blood tests can measure markers of this inflammation to help doctors understand how severe the infection is. Early detection allows for faster treatment and better outcomes.
Symptoms
- Cough that may produce green, yellow, or bloody mucus
- Fever, sweating, and shaking chills
- Shortness of breath or rapid, shallow breathing
- Sharp chest pain that worsens when breathing deeply or coughing
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Confusion or changes in mental awareness, especially in older adults
- Lower than normal body temperature in older adults or people with weak immune systems
Some people, especially older adults, may have milder symptoms or no fever at all. This can make pneumonia harder to recognize early on.
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Causes and risk factors
Pneumonia happens when germs enter your lungs and multiply. Bacteria are the most common cause in adults, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the leading culprit. Viruses like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus can also trigger pneumonia. Fungal pneumonia is less common but can affect people with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions.
Risk factors include smoking, chronic lung diseases like asthma or COPD, weakened immunity from HIV or cancer treatment, recent viral respiratory infections, hospitalization, and age over 65 or under 2. Poor nutrition and alcohol misuse also increase vulnerability. Living in crowded settings or being exposed to certain chemicals can raise your risk too.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose pneumonia through physical exams, medical history, and diagnostic tests. They listen to your lungs for crackling or bubbling sounds. A chest X-ray can show the infection and its location in your lungs.
Blood tests play a key role in assessing pneumonia severity. Rite Aid tests measure White Blood Cell Count to check if your body is fighting infection. Neutrophils show how your immune system is responding. C-Reactive Protein and Hs CRP reveal inflammation levels, which spike during bacterial infections like pneumonia. High CRP levels help doctors understand how severe the infection is. Blood cultures can identify if bacteria from the lungs have entered your bloodstream. These biomarkers guide treatment decisions and help track your recovery.
Treatment options
- Antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, typically taken for 5 to 14 days
- Antiviral medications if a virus caused the infection
- Antifungal drugs for fungal pneumonia
- Rest and plenty of fluids to help your body heal
- Over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers as needed
- Breathing treatments or oxygen therapy for severe cases
- Hospitalization for high-risk patients, older adults, or those with complications
- Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke during recovery
- Good nutrition to support immune function
- Follow-up chest X-rays to confirm the infection has cleared
Concerned about Pneumonia? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
The first signs often include a persistent cough, fever, and chest discomfort. You may feel unusually tired or short of breath with normal activities. Some people notice their cough produces colored mucus within the first few days. Older adults may experience confusion instead of typical fever symptoms.
Blood tests cannot diagnose pneumonia directly, but they reveal important clues about infection and inflammation. White blood cell counts show if your body is fighting infection. C-Reactive Protein and Hs CRP levels spike when inflammation is present, which happens with bacterial pneumonia. Blood cultures can identify if bacteria have entered your bloodstream from the lungs.
Mild pneumonia often improves within 1 to 3 weeks with proper treatment. More severe cases may take 6 to 8 weeks for full recovery. Fatigue and weakness can persist even after other symptoms fade. Your age, overall health, and the type of germ causing the infection all affect recovery time.
Yes, pneumonia can be contagious, especially when caused by bacteria or viruses. These germs spread through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes. The contagious period varies depending on the cause and whether the person is on antibiotics. Good hand hygiene and covering your mouth when coughing help prevent spread.
Walking pneumonia is a milder form of the infection that does not require bed rest or hospitalization. It is usually caused by bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Symptoms include a persistent dry cough, mild fever, and fatigue. Many people continue their daily activities, which is why it is called walking pneumonia.
See a doctor if you have a persistent cough with colored mucus, high fever above 102°F, or chest pain when breathing. Seek immediate care if you experience severe shortness of breath, bluish lips or nails, or confusion. People over 65, young children, and those with chronic health conditions should get evaluated promptly.
Yes, several steps can reduce your risk of pneumonia. Get vaccinated against pneumococcal bacteria and annual flu shots. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick people. Do not smoke, as it damages lung defenses. Maintain good overall health through proper nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.
Yes, pneumonia can return if the initial infection was not fully cleared or if you get a new infection. This is more common in people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung conditions. Finishing your entire course of antibiotics is essential even if you feel better. Follow-up chest X-rays help confirm the infection has completely resolved.
Warning signs include worsening shortness of breath, higher fever, increased chest pain, or confusion. Bluish color in lips or fingertips signals low oxygen levels. If you feel weaker instead of stronger after a few days of treatment, contact your doctor. These signs may mean you need stronger medications or hospital care.