Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue. It is usually due to infection. Pneumonia tends to be more serious than bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation or infection of the large airways - the bronchi (see diagram). Sometimes bronchitis and pneumonia occur together which is called bronchopneumonia.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

Difficulty breathing (breaths are rapid and shallow)

A cough that brings up phlegm (thick mucus)

Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

High temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above

Chest pain

Less common symptoms of pneumonia include:

Coughing up blood

Headaches

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Nausea

Vomiting

Joint and muscle pain

A blue tinge to the skin (cyanosis)
Sometimes, elderly people with pneumonia may become confused and disorientated.

Chest Infection

What Is Chest Infection ?

Chest infections are common, especially after a cold or flu during autumn and winter.
Although most are mild and get better on their own, some can be serious or even life-threatening.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of a chest infection can include:

A persistent cough

Coughing up yellow or green phlegm (thick mucus), or coughing up blood

Breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing

Wheezing

A high temperature (fever)

A rapid heartbeat

Chest pain or tightness

Feeling confused and disorientated