Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection. Most people get better in 2 to 4 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.

Check if you have 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