Bacterial Pneumonia
2 medicines
Bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection that inflames the air sacs, causing fever, chest pain, and a productive cough, and is treated with antibiotics such as azithromycin.
Key facts
- Bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection in which bacteria invade the air sacs (alveoli), causing inflammation and a build-up of fluid or pus.
- It ranges from a mild illness managed at home to a severe condition needing hospital care, and often follows a cold or flu.
- Hallmark symptoms are a high fever with shivering, a productive cough with yellow or rust-coloured sputum, chest pain that worsens on breathing, and noticeable breathlessness.
- Antibiotics are the main treatment; azithromycin is a common first choice, with moxifloxacin used for more severe or resistant infections.
Recognising the illness
Onset is often rapid. A high fever with rigors, a productive cough bringing up yellow or rust-coloured sputum, chest pain that worsens with breathing, and noticeable breathlessness are the hallmarks. Fatigue, poor appetite, and confusion (particularly in older adults) are also common. Symptoms that appear suddenly after a cold or flu should raise suspicion of bacterial pneumonia rather than a straightforward viral illness.
When it is an emergency
Seek urgent medical attention if breathing becomes very difficult, lips or fingertips turn bluish, chest pain is severe, or the person becomes confused or hard to rouse. These signs point to a more serious infection that needs prompt assessment.
Antibiotic treatment
Antibiotics are the cornerstone of treatment, and the choice depends on the likely bacteria and how severe the illness is. Azithromycin is widely used for community-acquired cases because it covers atypical organisms such as Mycoplasma and Legionella alongside common bacterial pathogens. For more severe or resistant infections, a fluoroquinolone such as moxifloxacin provides broad coverage, including atypical bacteria. Both belong to the antibiotics group. Completing the full course matters even once symptoms start to ease; stopping early risks leaving bacteria behind and can contribute to resistance.
Recovery and follow-up
Most people improve within a few days of starting antibiotics, though a cough and tiredness can linger for weeks afterward. Rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding smoking support recovery. Anyone whose symptoms are not improving after a few days of treatment, or who feels significantly worse, should be reviewed again promptly.
This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.