Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs usually caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Symptoms of chronic pneumonia range from mild effects to severe symptoms, particularly in older individuals and those with pre-existing illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. As noted on MedicineNet.com by George Schiffman M.D., more than three million people develop pneumonia every year in the United States, with over half a million requiring hospital treatment. Although most of these individuals recover, pneumonia causes the death of approximately five percent of those afflicted each year. Symptoms of chronic pneumonia occur when the infecting organism enters the lungs and settles in the air sacs and passageways of the lungs, rapidly growing and causing inflammation.
Cold and Flu Symptoms
People suffering from pneumonia, especially if a virus causes it, initially have cold or flu-like such as a runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, headache and sinus pain, describes the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. This is because the germs initially cause inflammation of the upper respiratory tract or the nose, sinuses, and throat. The inflammation alters normal protective mechanism and immune responses, leading to infection of lungs.
Fever
The cold and flu-like symptoms are followed by a high-grade fever, which is an important part of the body's defense against infection, and shaking chills. A fever is a common symptom of pneumonia, as noted by MayoClinic.com, and is caused by the response of various infection-fighting chemicals released from body's immune cells.
Coughing
Coughing is a normal reflex against anything irritating the lung's airways to keep them clear. It is one of the most common symptoms of pneumonia, and often the most obvious as noted by MayoClinic.com. A cough due to pneumonia may last longer than eight weeks, and is often dry at first and then becomes productive, meaning the individual will cough up sputum and mucous that is a yellow, green or golden-brown color due to infection. In severe cases, a patient may even cough up blood.
Shortness of Breath
As described by the University of Maryland Medical Center, shortness of breath in chronic pneumonia occurs because the air sacs of the lungs fill with fluid and infectious material making it difficult to breathe. This shortness of breath called dyspnea, which causes discomfort, lack of energy, weakness and disrupts sleep.
Chest Pain
Chest pain or pleurisy is a symptom of chronic pneumonia, particularly if the infection involves an area of the lung close to the chest wall. This causes a sharp, fluctuating pain during deep breathing and coughing.
