How is pneumonia diagnosed?
Your GP will usually diagnose pneumonia by asking you about your symptoms and listening to your chest.
They will also do simple tests to check your heart and breathing rate, temperature and blood pressure.
They might use a pulse oximeter to check how much oxygen is in your blood. This is a painless test that uses a sensor placed on your fingertip or earlobe.
Tests for diagnosing pneumonia
Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray creates an image of the inside of your chest. It will take a few minutes and is painless.
Healthcare professionals can see if you have pneumonia from these images.
You will usually only need a chest X-ray if you’re being diagnosed with pneumonia in hospital.
Phlegm (sputum) sample
Your healthcare professional will ask you to cough up phlegm into a pot. They’ll test this to see if there’s bacteria in your phlegm that could be causing pneumonia.
You’ll usually only need to do a phlegm sample if:
- your healthcare professional thinks you could have more severe pneumonia
- your symptoms have not got better after being prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia
- you’re being diagnosed with pneumonia in hospital.
If you have bronchiectasis, your healthcare professional should always take a phlegm sample before prescribing you any antibiotics. If you keep a rescue pack at home, you might need to start taking these while you wait for your results. Follow the advice on your self-management plan.
How is pneumonia treated?
Most people feel better in 2 to 4 weeks with treatment, but pneumonia can be more severe if you have a lung condition.
The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you should start to feel better. Starting treatment quickly also means that you’re less likely to get seriously ill.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the main treatment for pneumonia. You’ll usually get antibiotic tablets to take for 5 days.
You should be prescribed a longer course of antibiotics if you have bronchiectasis, usually for 14 days.
What antibiotics will I get?
Most people are prescribed an antibiotic called amoxicillin, but there are lots of different antibiotics available to treat pneumonia.
Your GP will choose the best antibiotic for you. They will consider how severe your pneumonia is, what type of pneumonia you have or any other health conditions you have.
Finish the antibiotics you get
It’s important to finish your course of antibiotics even if you feel better, to make sure your pneumonia is fully treated. Stopping early may mean your infection could come back.
We have more information about taking antibiotics, including antibiotic resistance and other side-effects.
Keep managing your lung condition
Keep managing your lung condition and using any medicines or treatments that you usually use while you have pneumonia, unless a healthcare professional tells you otherwise.
At home treatments for pneumonia
We have more advice about things you can do at home to help you feel better and recover from pneumonia.
When will I feel better?
Speak to a healthcare professional if you do not start to feel better after 2 to 3 days of taking antibiotics.
Treatments in hospital for pneumonia
Some people need to be treated in hospital for pneumonia. If you’re treated for pneumonia in hospital, you might get:
- antibiotics and fluids through your veins
- oxygen to help you breathe.
Get support
Call or email our helpline for support with any aspect of living with a lung condition – whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or answers to health-related questions. You can also find support through our groups.
