Pneumonia Symptoms in Adults and the Importance of the Pneumococcal Vaccine

As the crisp autumn and winter winds sweep through Istanbul, we see a significant rise in pneumonia cases among adults. Commonly known as a severe lung infection, this illness can deeply disrupt your daily life with complaints like high fever, chest pain, and a persistent cough. Early diagnosis and vaccinations—especially for individuals in high-risk groups—play a vital role in preventing the disease from progressing to a critical stage.

• Pneumonia is a serious infection caused by the inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs.
• The most common symptoms are a sudden spike in fever, severe chills, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Individuals over the age of 65 and those with chronic illnesses are in the highest risk group.
• The pneumococcal vaccine is one of the most effective preventive methods developed against the disease.
• Depending on the type of infection, treatment involves antibiotics, antiviral medications, and supportive care.

What is Pneumonia in Adults?

The oxygen from the air we breathe enters our bloodstream through tiny air sacs in our lungs called alveoli. Pneumonia occurs when viruses, bacteria, or fungi reach these sacs and cause an inflammation. The inflamed air sacs fill with fluid or pus. This makes it difficult for the lungs to transfer enough oxygen to the blood, thereby impairing your respiratory functions.

Spending more time in closed, crowded environments—like bustling cafes or public transport during the colder months—makes it easier for respiratory infections to spread. While the immune system of a healthy young adult can easily fight off these microbes, advancing age or the presence of underlying diseases weakens this defense mechanism. The inflammation of lung tissue is a serious health issue that affects not only the respiratory system but all bodily functions, as the cells are deprived of adequate oxygen.

Causes and Risk Factors

Many different microorganisms can cause pneumonia. The most common culprit in adults is a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. In addition to this, viruses like influenza (the flu), COVID-19, and RSV can travel directly down into the lungs and cause viral pneumonia. Sometimes, a viral infection weakens the lungs first, paving the way for a secondary bacterial infection that increases the severity of the illness.

Certain factors make a person much more vulnerable to developing the disease. Individuals aged 65 and older are in the highest risk group due to the natural slowing down of the immune system. Adults with COPD, asthma, diabetes, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease are also more susceptible to infections. Smoking is particularly dangerous; it paralyzes the cilia—the tiny, hair-like structures that act as the lungs' natural cleaning mechanism—making it easier for microbes to descend into the lower respiratory tract. For more detailed information on this topic, you can read our article titled Smoking and COPD: What Are the Early Signs?.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia in Adults?

The symptoms of the disease range from mild to severe, depending on the type of microbe causing the infection, the patient's age, and their overall health. Bacterial infections typically start very suddenly, whereas viral infections may gradually worsen over a few days.

The most common pneumonia symptoms include:

• A sudden high fever, accompanied by chills and shivering fits
• A persistent cough that may be dry or produce phlegm (the mucus is often yellow, green, or rust-colored)
• A sharp, stabbing pain in the chest or back when taking a deep breath or coughing
• Shortness of breath that occurs even while doing simple daily tasks
• Extreme fatigue, weakness, and muscle aches
• A drop in body temperature below normal and mental confusion, particularly in elderly patients

In older adults, classic symptoms like a high fever or a severe cough might not always be present. Instead, sudden loss of appetite, loss of balance, excessive sleepiness, or a lack of interest in their surroundings might be the first and only signs of a lung infection.

How is it Diagnosed at the Hospital?

A pulmonologist (chest diseases specialist) or an internal medicine specialist will first listen to your complaints and perform a detailed physical examination. When listening to your lungs with a stethoscope, crackling or wheezing sounds from the inflamed areas provide the physician with crucial clues. Certain tests are required to make a definitive diagnosis and determine the severity of the disease.

The most frequently used diagnostic tool is a chest X-ray. An X-ray clearly shows which part of the lung is infected and how widely the infection has spread. Blood tests are used to measure the severity of the infection. A sputum culture may be requested to identify exactly which microbe is causing the illness. In severe cases that do not respond to treatment or where complications are suspected, a Computed Tomography (CT) scan may be necessary for a more detailed examination of the lungs. A simple pulse oximetry test, measured from the fingertip to check blood oxygen levels, is also a standard procedure.

Home Care and Hospital Treatments

Pneumonia treatment is planned based on the microorganism causing the disease and the patient's clinical condition. For bacterial pneumonia, the primary treatment is antibiotics. It is absolutely essential to take the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor exactly on time and complete the full course, even if you start feeling better, to prevent the infection from returning or developing antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics do not work for viral pneumonia; in such cases, antiviral medications and supportive therapies to relieve symptoms are prescribed.

Mild cases can be treated at home. During home care, drinking plenty of fluids helps soften the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up. The room should be ventilated frequently, and you must stay strictly away from cigarette smoke. Resting allows your body to direct its energy toward healing. Fever reducers and painkillers can be used under a doctor's supervision to ease discomfort.

If the patient is elderly, experiencing respiratory distress, has low blood oxygen levels, or shows dangerous drops in blood pressure, treatment is carried out as an inpatient at the hospital. In a hospital setting, intravenous (IV) antibiotics or fluids are administered, and oxygen support via a mask is provided if necessary. The recovery process usually takes one to three weeks, though the feeling of fatigue can linger for up to a month.

Who Should Get the Pneumonia Vaccine and How Does It Protect?

The pneumococcus bacterium is the biggest culprit behind severe pneumonia cases in adults. The pneumonia vaccine developed against this bacterium introduces the microbe to the immune system, prompting the production of antibodies. This significantly lowers the risk of catching the disease, and even if an infection does occur, it minimizes the risk of hospitalization or life-threatening complications.

So, who should get the pneumonia vaccine? The Ministry of Health and international health authorities strongly recommend vaccination for adults, especially in the following groups:

• All individuals aged 65 and over
• Those with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, or bronchiectasis
• Patients with heart failure or coronary artery disease
• Individuals with diabetes and chronic kidney failure
• Patients undergoing treatments that suppress the immune system
• People with spleen dysfunction or those who have had their spleen removed

The vaccine is administered via an intramuscular injection in the arm. There are two different types of pneumococcal vaccines, and your doctor will determine which vaccine should be given and in what order based on your medical history. You do not need to wait for winter to get vaccinated; it can be safely administered at any time of the year.

When to See a Doctor

Although respiratory infections often start like a simple cold, you must seek medical help without delay if your condition worsens. Symptoms can deteriorate rapidly, especially in high-risk individuals.

You should visit a healthcare facility immediately if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing, or rapid, shallow breaths
• Pressure in the chest or a severe stabbing sensation when taking a deep breath
• A bluish tint on the lips, nail beds, or skin (cyanosis)
• A high fever of 39°C (102.2°F) or above that persists despite fever-reducing medication
• Severe chills, shivering fits, and cold sweats
• Sudden confusion or constant drowsiness, especially in elderly patients

These symptoms indicate that the lungs are failing to provide enough oxygen, posing a risk of serious damage to the body. In situations involving shortness of breath and bluish skin, the safest course of action is not to try driving to the hospital yourself, but to call the 112 Emergency Call Center to request an ambulance.

The Process at BHT CLINIC

At BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi, we are by your side to protect your lung health and provide the most accurate treatment for respiratory diseases. In our Pulmonology (Chest Diseases) department, the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia, COPD, asthma, and all other lung conditions are meticulously managed by our expert medical staff.

When you visit our hospital, our advanced imaging systems and fully equipped laboratories ensure a rapid and accurate diagnosis. When necessary, advanced diagnostic methods such as pulmonary function tests, bronchoscopy, and EBUS are successfully performed. For situations requiring urgent intervention, such as sudden shortness of breath or high fever, our 24/7 Emergency Department is instantly at your service with its experienced team. Bringing any previous chest X-rays, a list of medications you are currently taking, and medical reports regarding your chronic illnesses to your appointment will help speed up your treatment process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pneumonia contagious?

Yes, the viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious. They can spread to others by inhaling droplets released into the air when a sick person coughs, sneezes, or talks. However, not everyone who encounters the microbe will develop pneumonia; if the immune system is strong, the illness might pass as a simple upper respiratory tract infection.

How long does the pneumonia vaccine protect you?

The duration of protection from pneumococcal vaccines varies depending on the type of vaccine administered. While some vaccines provide lifelong protection, certain types may need to be repeated at specific intervals for individuals in high-risk groups. Your doctor will plan the most appropriate vaccination schedule based on your age and chronic conditions.

Is a persistent cough always a sign of pneumonia?

No. Coughs lasting longer than three weeks can be caused by many different factors, such as asthma, COPD, acid reflux, postnasal drip, or allergies. However, if the cough is accompanied by fever, phlegm, and shortness of breath, or if it is progressively getting worse, you should definitely consult a pulmonologist to investigate whether an underlying lung infection is the cause.

Can using air conditioning cause pneumonia?

Legionella bacteria, which can breed in the filters of air conditioners, can cause Legionnaires' disease—commonly known as "air conditioning pneumonia"—when released into the air and inhaled. Therefore, routine maintenance and filter cleaning of air conditioning units are of great importance. For more information on this topic, you can read our article Legionnaires' Disease Symptoms and Treatment.

How long does pneumonia treatment take?

Although the duration of treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease and the general health of the patient, antibiotic use generally lasts between 7 to 14 days. While acute symptoms like fever and shortness of breath may improve within a few days, it can take weeks for complaints like fatigue and a mild cough to completely disappear.

Do not delay your check-ups to breathe healthily and maintain your quality of life. You can click here to book your appointment or reach us 24/7 through our call center at 0850 811 34 00.

This article is for informational purposes only; please be sure to consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.