Pneumonia is an infection that causes severe inflammation within the delicate tissue of the lungs. The infection can cause a variety of symptoms in adults and is the sixth leading cause of death within the United States, reports PDR Health, a medical information website established by the publishers of the Physicians' Desktop Reference. Adult patients--especially elderly patients--should seek immediate medical care if any pneumonia symptoms develop in order to prevent potentially life threatening medical complications.
Cough
The most common symptom associated with pneumonia in adults is cough. Cough symptoms can be dry and hacking or may sound congested. Certain patients may expel yellow- or green-colored mucus from the lungs during episodes of coughing, according Up To Date, a peer-reviewed medical information website for patients. Coughing can occur in conjunction with chest or abdominal discomfort or shortness of breath. Elderly adult patients can develop long-lasting cough symptoms that may be accompanied by chest pain or unusual rapid breathing. These adult pneumonia symptoms may be most severe in older patients or patients who have compromised immune systems due to alternate medical conditions, such as cancer. Unlike patients who have a cold or the flu, patients with pneumonia typically do not experience nasal congestion or sneezing in conjunction with cough symptoms.
Fever
Adult patients with pneumonia can develop a sudden fever that typically runs higher than 100.5 degrees F, according to Up To Date. It may be accompanied by severe chills, headache or sweating. Certain elderly patients with pneumonia may experience low-grade fever symptoms--typically ranging between 99 and 100 degrees F--or may not develop a fever at all. Patients who experience any elevation in body temperature should speak with a doctor for further evaluation and care.
Fatigue
Symptoms of fatigue can arise in certain patients with pneumonia. Sensations of tiredness or fatigue can interfere with a patient's ability to remain alert and active throughout the day. Elderly patients with pneumonia can experience unusual sensations of confusion or difficulty thinking in conjunction with fatigue.
Body Aches
Pneumonia can cause affected patients to experience sensations of pain throughout the body as a symptom of this infection. Body and muscle aches can be uncomfortable and may contribute to symptoms of fatigue in certain adult patients.
