Can you treat pneumonia at home?

David Schrift, MD

Pulmonology and Critical Care

Pneumonia, a potentially dangerous infection that can occur after the flu or other illnesses, seems so common that we often underestimate how serious it can become, especially in certain vulnerable populations. Critical care physician David Schrift, MD, answered questions about whether you can treat pneumonia at home, who is most at risk and more.

What is pneumonia? Is it caused by bacteria or a virus?

“Pneumonia, simply put, is an infection of the lung or lungs,” said Dr. Schrift. “It can be caused by bacteria or virus, although a virus is the most common cause of community spread. Anyone can develop pneumonia, although the risk is increased if you’re recovering from another respiratory illness, like influenza or COVID-19.”

While the most common type of pneumonia, which develops outside the hospital, is called community-acquired pneumonia (or CAP), there are a few other ways that pneumonia can develop:

• Hospital-acquired pneumonia: Pneumonia that develops after a hospital stay for a different illness or medical treatment.
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia: Those on a respirator or breathing machine are at a higher risk for developing pneumonia while in the hospital.
• Aspiration pneumonia: People who choke on food or aspirate (breathe in) solids or liquids into their lungs can develop an infection.

Who is most likely to get severely ill with pneumonia?

“Adults who are older, with weakened immune systems or concurrent lung diseases like COPD, who are frail or who have other major health issues are more likely to become seriously ill with pneumonia,” said Dr. Schrift.

Children under the age of 2 are also at heightened risk of more serious illness, as are individuals who smoke, who have an existing heart or lung condition, have a medical condition that makes swallowing more difficult or those who are pregnant.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia? 

“The symptom we most associate with pneumonia is a persistent cough,” said Dr. Schrift. “Other symptoms include fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue.”

Symptoms of pneumonia can be very different, depending on the age of the person who develops it. Alongside the basic symptoms, you may also experience:

• Yellow, green or bloody mucus in your cough
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Sweating or chills
• Cyanosis, where skin, lips or nails seem to be tinted blue
• Muscle pain
• Low appetite
• Confusion or an altered mental state (more common in senior citizens)
• Fussiness and decreased wet diapers in infants and toddlers

What is ‘walking pneumonia’ and how is it different?

“’Walking’ pneumonia is the same illness, just in a milder form,” said Dr. Schrift. “People with walking pneumonia are still able to move around and perform their usual daily tasks.”

Walking pneumonia is very contagious, and since people usually still feel up to going out, it can easily spread. You can become sick with walking pneumonia at any time of year, but it’s most common in fall and winter.

Can you treat pneumonia at home?

“If you suspect you might have pneumonia, an evaluation by a physician is necessary,” said Dr. Schrift. “Bacterial pneumonia may require antibiotics in order to fully recover, while viral pneumonia is likely to be treated with medicines that help lessen symptoms and keep you comfortable while your immune system fights the virus.”

Attempting to treat pneumonia at home could lead to developing a more severe case, which could mean a trip to urgent care or even the emergency room. Some individuals will need to be hospitalized to recover from pneumonia.

Who should be vaccinated to protect against pneumonia?

“Infants are traditionally vaccinated against pneumonia as part of the regular schedule of childhood vaccines,” said Dr. Schrift. “These vaccines provide essential protection at a time of life when our children are most vulnerable to severe infection.”

When it comes to adults, the CDC recently adjusted its guidelines to suggest that adults age 50 or older receive a vaccine against pneumonia – previously, the recommendation began at age 65. Alongside older adults, any adult with serious underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system may benefit from the protection the vaccine provides.

As pneumonia can develop as a result of getting the flu, making sure you get your flu shot every year also gives you some protection against pneumonia.

How else can you lower your risk for pneumonia?

“In short, avoid anyone that is sick and don’t smoke – or quit if you currently use tobacco products. Make sure you review medications that suppress your immune system regularly with your doctor for necessity, inquire about pneumonia vaccines and stay as active and fit as possible,” said Dr. Schrift.

Learn more about protecting yourself from the flu and potential pneumonia right here.