Pneumonia Hospital Admissions Soar 25%

The number of emergency hospital admissions for pneumonia has climbed by 25% over the past two years, with figures for the year to March 2025 reaching 579,475. This represents a substantial increase from the 461,995 cases recorded between April 2022 and March 2023. Pneumonia is identified as the leading cause of emergency hospitalizations, accounting for more than double the admissions of the next most frequent condition. Worryingly, between April 2022 and March 2025, over 97,000 individuals died in hospital from pneumonia. Experts attribute these alarming statistics to the long-term neglect and deprioritization of respiratory care. They emphasize that following basic care guidelines for respiratory conditions can significantly reduce hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes, yet these basics are often not met. Factors contributing to pneumonia risk include existing lung conditions and socioeconomic deprivation. Analysis indicates that people in more deprived areas are 36% more likely to be hospitalized with pneumonia, often linked to living in damp, poorly ventilated housing or areas with high air pollution. The charity Asthma + Lung UK advocates for a national strategy for respiratory illness to enhance basic care provision in community settings like GP practices. This includes regular treatment reviews, personalized action plans, and vaccinations such as those for RSV, flu, and pneumococcal disease.