Pneumonia: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as chest infection, lung infection.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Pneumonia is an infection deep in the lungs that fills the air sacs with fluid, making breathing difficult. It can follow a cold or flu and is most dangerous in young children, the elderly and people with chronic illness — it remains a leading cause of child deaths in Nigeria. Prompt treatment is usually very effective.
Symptoms
Cough, often with yellow, green or rusty sputum
Fever and chills
Fast or difficult breathing
Chest pain that worsens on breathing in
Weakness and fatigue
Fast breathing or chest in-drawing in children
Confusion (especially in the elderly)
Causes & risk factors
Bacterial or viral infection of the lungs
Recent cold, flu or measles weakening the airways
Smoking or indoor smoke from firewood and generators
Weakened immunity, malnutrition or chronic disease
Treatment & self-care
Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a clinician, with rest, fluids and fever control; severe cases need hospital admission and oxygen. Children are protected by routine immunisation (including pneumococcal vaccine) and good nutrition. Never ignore fast breathing in a child.
See a doctor urgently if
Fast, laboured breathing or chest in-drawing in a child
Bluish lips or difficulty completing sentences
High fever with shaking chills
Chest pain or coughing blood
Drowsiness or confusion
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call 112 or 199 — do not wait for an online consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Pneumonia?
Early signs often include cough, often with yellow, green or rusty sputum, fever and chills, fast or difficult breathing. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Pneumonia be treated?
Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics prescribed by a clinician, with rest, fluids and fever control; severe cases need hospital admission and oxygen. Children are protected by routine immunisation (including pneumococcal vaccine) and good nutrition. Never ignore fast breathing in a child.
When should I see a doctor about Pneumonia?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: fast, laboured breathing or chest in-drawing in a child; bluish lips or difficulty completing sentences; high fever with shaking chills; chest pain or coughing blood; drowsiness or confusion. These can be signs of an emergency — if severe, go to the nearest emergency room or call 112 or 199.