Pneumonia has emerged as the leading cause of emergency admissions in England, with new figures indicating a sharp increase in cases requiring urgent hospital care. Analysis of NHS England data from April 2024 to March 2025 shows that there were 579,475 instances of pneumonia necessitating emergency hospitalisation, a significant rise from 461,995 cases recorded between April 2022 and March 2023.
Alarming Surge in Pneumonia Cases
This represents a quarter increase over two years, pushing the total beyond half a million annually. The charity Asthma + Lung UK, which conducted the analysis, warns that this trend is likely to have continued upwards since the data period, exacerbating pressures on already overstretched A&E departments across the country.
Pneumonia is not only the single biggest driver of emergency admissions but also accounts for more than double the cases of the next most common cause. The condition can be deadly, with over 97,000 deaths attributed to pneumonia in hospitals between April 2022 and March 2025.
Neglect of Respiratory Care
Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, highlighted the concerning state of respiratory care. "These alarming figures are the result of respiratory care being neglected and deprioritised for too long," he stated. "Following recommended basic care guidelines for respiratory conditions can save and transform lives. I've seen first-hand with my patients the dramatic effect good basic care has on reducing hospital admissions."
He added that failures in implementing basic care are leading to increased A&E pressures, rising healthcare costs, and worsening conditions for patients without adequate support.
Understanding Pneumonia and Its Risks
Pneumonia is a chest infection that affects the alveoli in the lungs, making breathing difficult. It can be triggered by bacterial infections or viruses such as flu, RSV, or Covid-19. Individuals with pre-existing lung conditions are particularly vulnerable due to weakened lung defences, especially if their symptoms are poorly managed at home.
The analysis also uncovered stark health inequalities, revealing that people in more deprived areas are 36% more likely to be hospitalised with pneumonia. Factors contributing to this include living in damp, mouldy, poorly ventilated housing, or areas with high air pollution.
Historical Context and Systemic Issues
Professor Nick Hopkinson, medical director at Asthma + Lung UK, noted that pneumonia rates have remained high since austerity policies were introduced in 2010, with only a temporary dip during the Covid-19 pandemic due to social distancing. "Lung disease is very tied up with inequality," he explained, emphasising that respiratory conditions often lack the same prioritisation as diseases like cancer and heart disease, despite being the third biggest killer globally.
He pointed out that without a top-down national strategy, lung conditions are frequently overlooked in primary care settings, where preventive measures such as education and awareness are seen as less urgent.
Calls for a National Respiratory Strategy
Asthma + Lung UK is advocating for a comprehensive national strategy to improve basic care for lung conditions in community settings, including GP practices. Essential elements of this care include:
- Regular treatment reviews
- Personalised action plans developed with clinicians
- Access to vaccinations, such as RSV, flu, and pneumococcal vaccines
A recent survey by the charity found that only 32% of asthma patients and 8.8% of those with COPD receive all fundamental aspects of basic care. Studies indicate that individuals with COPD are four times more likely, and those with asthma three times more likely, to contract pneumonia compared to the general population.
Personal Impact and Proactive Management
Sabrina Kaur, a nurse with severe asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD, shared her experience with pneumonia, describing it as "crippling." Combined with damage from Covid-19, her conditions have become harder to manage, leading to multiple A&E visits this year. Despite her medical background, Kaur noted she must proactively research and advocate for her own care, facing a "one size fits all" approach from clinicians.
"You have to be very proactive and it shouldn't have to be like that," she said. "I'd luckily had my pneumonia jab before I was hospitalised and am certain things might have been even worse without it. I imagine there's many people who need the pneumonia jab, who are missing out because they don't even know about it."
NHS Response and Future Initiatives
Dr Jonathan Fuld, national clinical director for respiratory disease at NHS England, outlined efforts to address the crisis. "The NHS is working to improve how we proactively support people with respiratory disease during winter, with a greater emphasis on remote monitoring and strengthened community support to help people manage their conditions and reduce pressure on hospitals," he stated.
He also mentioned investments in innovative projects to transform asthma and COPD care in the community, alongside the rollout of new medicines for patients.
