The number of emergency cases of pneumonia in England has surged by a quarter over the past two years, exceeding half a million cases. According to new data from NHS England, there were 579,475 hospital admissions for pneumonia between April 2024 and March 2025. This alarming rise is putting additional strain on Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments, prompting calls for improved respiratory care.
The analysis highlights a significant increase from 461,995 cases recorded in the previous two-year period. Pneumonia now stands as the leading cause of emergency admissions, with figures showing that more than double the number of cases compared to the next most common condition. The disease has also proven deadly; between April 2022 and March 2025, over 97,000 people died from pneumonia after being hospitalized.
Dr. Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at Asthma + Lung UK, stated, “These alarming figures are the result of respiratory care being neglected and deprioritized for too long.” He emphasized that adhering to basic care guidelines can significantly reduce hospital admissions and improve patient outcomes. “Too often we’re not getting the basics right, leading to increased A&E pressures and rising healthcare costs,” he added.
Pneumonia is a serious chest infection that affects the tiny air sacs in the lungs, known as alveoli, complicating breathing. It can result from bacterial infections or viruses such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), or Covid-19. Individuals with pre-existing lung conditions are particularly vulnerable, as their respiratory defenses are often compromised.
Asthma + Lung UK’s findings also reveal a stark disparity in pneumonia hospitalizations, with individuals from deprived backgrounds being 36% more likely to be admitted. Factors contributing to this include living in damp, poorly ventilated housing and exposure to high levels of air pollution.
Prof. Nick Hopkinson, medical director at Asthma + Lung UK, pointed out that pneumonia rates have remained elevated since austerity measures were introduced in 2010, with a temporary decline during the Covid-19 pandemic due to social distancing. He remarked, “Lung disease is very tied up with inequality,” noting that respiratory conditions have not received the same focus as other diseases like cancer or heart disease.
Calls for a national strategy to tackle respiratory illnesses have intensified. Asthma + Lung UK advocates for enhanced basic care provisions within community healthcare settings. This includes regular treatment reviews, individualized action plans, and essential vaccinations, such as those for RSV, flu, and pneumococcus. A recent survey by the charity found that only 32% of asthma patients received all fundamental elements of care, with just 8.8% of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receiving similar support.
Research indicates that individuals with COPD are four times more likely to contract pneumonia, while those with asthma face a threefold increase compared to the general population. The consequences of pneumonia can further exacerbate pre-existing lung conditions, complicating management and recovery.
Sabrina Kaur, a nurse who has lived with severe asthma, bronchiectasis, and COPD, described her experience with pneumonia as “crippling.” The combination of pneumonia and prior damage from Covid-19 has made her conditions increasingly challenging to manage. Kaur emphasized the need for proactive healthcare, stating, “You have to be very proactive and it shouldn’t have to be like that.”
Dr. Jonathan Fuld, the national clinical director for respiratory disease at NHS England, acknowledged the ongoing efforts to improve support for respiratory patients, particularly during winter. He highlighted the focus on remote monitoring and enhanced community support systems to help manage conditions and alleviate pressure on hospitals. Investment in innovative projects aimed at transforming asthma and COPD care is also underway, alongside the rollout of new medications for patients.
As emergency pneumonia cases continue to rise, the need for a strategic approach to respiratory health has never been more urgent. The combination of improved awareness, preventive care, and equitable access to resources could serve as vital steps in addressing this growing healthcare challenge in England.
