​Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common lung infection that can affect one or both lungs. It leads to inflammation of the air sacs which may become filled with fluid or pus.

Pneumonia may vary in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. The condition may become more severe in the young or the elderly, and people with underlying chronic health problems or compromised immune systems. Such patients may need to be hospitalized for treatment. The Heart, Lungs and Vascular Services at the Aga Khan University Hospital are amongst the nation’s best. Rest assured that you will receive quality healthcare at our facilities.​

Symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe depending upon the degree of infection. Some of the symptoms include: 

  • Fever, usually with sweating and shaking chills

  • Cough, with yellowish or rusty coloured sputum 

  • Chest pain, that may increase with breathing or coughing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea​

Pneumonia can be a life threating disease, especially for people with underlying health problems, young children and adults older than 65 years of age.

If you are suffering from continuous high grade fever (102-degree F and above), chest pain, difficulty breathing, and cough with purulent sputum, then contact your doctor immediately. For a preliminary examination, you can consult doctors at the Family Health Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital. Upon examination, they may direct you to specialists working with the Heart, Lungs and Vascular Service Line or the Internal Medicine Service Line.​

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here ​are some tips to help get you started ​​
Your doctor will begin by asking you about your medical history and physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis, he/she may ask you to take the following tests:

  • Blood tests: these may include routine blood counts, kidney function test and cultures. 

  • Chest X-ray: this will help your doctor to confirm pneumonia and identify the extent of disease and where it is located.

  • Sputum test: a sample of sputum is tested to assess for the presence of bacteria.

Your doctor might suggest additional tests like Computerized Tomography (CT) scan of chest, and other blood and fluid tests depending upon your condition and the severity of your disease. ​

Pneumonia is treated primarily through antibiotics which kill infection-causing bacteria. You may need hospitalization for treatment depending on the severity of disease. Children below 2 years of age and adults over 65 years of age often require hospitalization for treatment. ​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments' costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the 'Important Numbers' section on the website homepage.​
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​​The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.