Pope Francis was admitted to hospital in Rome suffering from pneumonia, which developed into a complex lung infection, organ failure and a risk of sepsis. The Pontiff already had a history of lung problems.
As a young man, he had part of one lung removed due to a severe infection and in recent years, he has struggled with respiratory illnesses, including bronchitis. In November 2023, and in early 2024, he was diagnosed with a mild case of pneumonia.
According to the NHS, pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. Most people get better in two to four weeks, but babies, older people, and people with heart or lung conditions are at risk of getting seriously ill and may need treatment in hospital.
Pneumonia is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. You can catch pneumonia from someone who has it, or you can sometimes get it if you have another infection such as flu, Covid or RSV.
Pneumonia can be caused by a fungal infection, but this is rare in healthy people in the UK. It may also be caused by something getting into your lungs, such as water or food (aspiration pneumonia)
Dr Andrew Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma and Lung UK, said: “A chest infection affects your lungs or airways. Symptoms include a chesty cough, wheezing or shortness of breath, a high temperature of 38C or above, and chest pains or discomfort. While most chest infections are not serious and last around three weeks, some can develop into more serious illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis.
“They can also worsen underlying health conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It’s important to see your GP if you think you have a chest infection, especially if you have a lung condition.Pneumonia is the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions every winter, placing significant pressure on the NHS.
“The condition, usually caused by a bacterial infection or a virus, leads to the tissue in one or both lungs to swell or become inflamed. While mild pneumonia can be treated at home, in some cases, pneumonia can be life-threatening and require hospital treatment.”
He added: “We would recommend getting all vaccines you are eligible for this winter, including pneumonia, flu, and Covid-19. If you are eligible for the free pneumonia vaccine, which includes all adults aged over 65, please have it this winter.If you would like to receive tailored advice about how to look after your lung condition over winter, please visit our website.”
Many people diagnosed with pneumonia will be given antibiotics to treat the condition. Some people with chest infections can be prescribed steroids, which help open the airways in the lungs and make breathing easier.
A number of groups can be at higher risk of developing serious chest infections. These include babies and very young children, children with development problems, people who are very overweight, elderly people, pregnant women, people who smoke, and people with long-term health conditions.
Symptoms of pneumonia
Symptoms of pneumonia can start suddenly or gradually over a few days.
They include:
- a cough – you may cough up yellow or green mucus (phlegm)
- shortness of breath
- a high temperature
- chest pain
- an aching body
- feeling very tired
- loss of appetite
- making wheezing noises when you breathe – babies may also make grunting noises
- feeling confused – this is common in older people
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more
- you’re coughing up blood
- you have chest pain that comes and goes, or happens when breathing or coughing
- you’re feeling short of breath
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Call 999 if:
- you’re struggling to breathe – you’re choking, gasping and unable to speak
- you have pale, blue or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- you suddenly feel confused – for example, you do not know where you are
- you cannot wake your baby and they feel floppy
You’ll usually be given antibiotics to treat pneumonia.You may need to go to hospital for treatment if:
- you’re over 65
- you have cardiovascular disease or a long-term lung condition
- your baby or young child has pneumonia
- you’re very unwell
In hospital you’ll usually be given fluids and antibiotics to treat the infection. You may also be given oxygen to help you breathe. You may be sent for an X-ray of your chest and blood tests to check for other conditions.
If you’re given antibiotics to take at home, contact your doctor if you do not feel better after taking them for 2 to 3 days.
There are some things you can do to help with recovery from pneumonia and reduce the risk of spreading it to other people. Do
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rest until you feel better – try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do normal activities
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drink plenty of fluids
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take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with pain or a high temperature
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cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
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put used tissues in the bin as quickly as possible
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wash your hands regularly with water and soap
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do not take cough medicine – coughing helps your body get rid of the infection
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do not smoke