The air that we breathe into our lungs contains all kinds of potential sources of infection, such as bacteria and viruses. Our immune system can usually protects us from these, but as we get older it becomes less effective.

Smoking, having heart failure, diabetes, or a lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also increase the risk of developing pneumonia.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptoms of pneumonia are similar to flu. You will feel feverish, with aches and pains and a poor appetite, however you will also have a cough. This may be a dry cough at first, but will then produce phlegm. Depending on which part of the lung is affected you may also have a sharp pain in your side.

If you think you have pneumonia you should arrange to see your doctor.

How is it treated?

If bacteria cause the pneumonia it can usually be easily treated with antibiotics. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics, but if your pneumonia is caused by a virus antibiotics may be used to help prevent any secondary infections.

If the pneumonia is severe, or the person affected is either very old or frail they may need to be treated in hospital where antibiotics and extra fluids and can be given straight into the vein (intravenously). If breathing is difficult, extra oxygen can be given through a facemask. About one in every six people with pneumonia are ill enough to need this kind of specialised care.