Pneumonia, meaning inflammation of the substance of the lungs, may occur across all ages, but is more common at the extremes of age. In the UK community setting there has been an increase in rates of hospital admission in the past decade or so, probably due to an ageing population and changes in clinical practice.


The term " pneumonia " is in common use - but perhaps more accurately it would be called " pneumonitis ", as it’s a type of inflammation. It may be either " lobar ", usually involving one of the five lung lobes ; or " bronchopneumonia ", more patchy and centred on small air passages.


As in your case, it’s often bacterial - the most common single cause is " pneumococcus ". Once a causative organism is identified, then the correct antibiotics may be given - the course of treatment must be completed. There are less common causes, including ( unfortunately ) pneumonia actually acquired in hospital or nursing home. A pneumococcal vaccine is available for babies and people aged 65 and over ( among others ).


In addition to the symptoms you describe, cough, fever, chest pain, and other symptoms not related to the lungs, may occur.


Best wishes for a full recovery, Mick !