Pneumonia Kills One In 20

Pneumonia is an inflammation of one or both lungs that starts with shivering, fever and coughing.
Sufferers gasp for air, go blue in the lips and nails, become confused and get an outbreak of coldsores.
It affects 11 in 1,000 adults every year in the UK and kills one in 20 people who develop it.
At-risk groups include children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases and alcoholics, plus those with a weak immune system, such as HIV patients.
It is caused by viruses and parasites but more than half of cases are down to the bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae.
Inhaling corrosive chemicals or vomit can also lead to it.
Bacterial cases are treated with antibiotics.
Oxygen may be given and a drip will be used if the patient is dehydrated.
A prompt diagnosis is vital and involves chest x-rays and examination of spit in the laboratory to identify the micro-organism behind the condition.