Prof. Dr. Oğuz Uzun, Head of the Department of Chest Diseases at the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Medicine, has warned that pneumonia can become life-threatening, particularly in older adults and people with chronic illnesses.

“If there is a prolonged cough, fever and especially shortness of breath, do not dismiss it as simply a common cold,” Uzun said.

Speaking on the occasion of World Pneumonia Day, Prof. Dr. Oğuz Uzun emphasized that pneumonia should not be regarded as a simple infection affecting only the lungs.

“Despite advances in medicine, the development of effective antibiotics, and the wider availability of vaccines, pneumonia continues to be an important cause of illness and death,” Uzun said.

“According to World Health Organization data, approximately 2.7 million people worldwide died from lower respiratory infections in 2023.”

“People over 65 are particularly at risk”

Prof. Dr. Uzun said pneumonia can affect people of all ages but may follow a more severe course in certain groups.

“People aged 65 and over, young children, those with chronic heart or lung disease, people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and kidney failure, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk,” he said.

Uzun noted that while the risk of death is below 1 percent in mild cases of pneumonia that can be treated at home, it can rise to 5–15 percent among hospitalized patients and reach 20–50 percent in severe cases requiring intensive care.

“Pneumonia can occur without fever”

Uzun said the most common symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, cough, sputum production, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.

“Not every patient with pneumonia necessarily develops a fever or produces sputum,” he said.

“Particularly in older adults, the disease may present only with fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion, or a general deterioration in health. For this reason, symptoms need to be assessed carefully.”

“Risk increases during autumn and winter”

Prof. Dr. Uzun said pneumonia can occur at any time of year, but its incidence increases during the colder months.

“During autumn and winter, people spend more time in enclosed and crowded environments, while respiratory viruses such as influenza and RSV become more widespread, increasing the risk of illness,” he said.

“Viral infections can directly cause pneumonia, while they can also make it easier for bacterial pneumonia to develop afterward.”

“Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important”

Uzun explained that pneumonia is diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms, findings from a physical examination, and, when necessary, a chest X-ray.

Treatment is determined according to both the microorganism causing the infection and the severity of the disease.

Uzun noted that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia, whereas they do not directly treat viral pneumonia.

He added that mild cases can often be treated at home, while severe cases may require hospitalization.

“Vaccination is important in preventing pneumonia”

Prof. Dr. Uzun emphasized the importance of vaccination in reducing the risk of pneumonia.

“When administered to appropriate individuals, pneumococcal and influenza vaccines can help prevent certain forms of pneumonia and severe infections,” he said.

“Quitting smoking, maintaining good hand hygiene, and keeping chronic illnesses under control are also important preventive measures.”

Uzun stressed that people should seek medical attention without delay if they experience symptoms such as significant shortness of breath, bluish discoloration of the lips, confusion, or severe chest pain.

“Prolonged cough, fever and especially shortness of breath should not be dismissed as a simple cold,” he concluded.