Pneumonia is an infectious illness that primarily affects children, the elderly and people with other illnesses that lower the immune system or damage the lungs. Pneumonia is commonly caused by a bacteria or virus, though more rare cases can also be caused by fungi, parasites and autoimmune or inflammation reactions by the body. The Lung Association describes the onset of symptoms as swift and debilitating, ranging from mild to severe. External symptoms of pneumonia occur when the infection enters the air sacs and passageways of the lungs, rapidly spreading and causing inflammation.
Flu-like Symptoms
People suffering from viral or bacterial pneumonia usually have cold or flu-like symptoms such as a headache, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing and sinus pain, as described by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. These symptoms occur as the infection causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract of the throat, sinuses and nose. The infection then alters normal protective immune responses, leading to pneumonia inflammation of the lungs.
Fever
The flu-like symptoms of pneumonia are followed by a high-grade fever which is caused by the release of various protective infection fighting chemicals in the body. A fever is an important part of the immune response to infectious organisms in the body and may cause cold sweating, shaking and chills. MayoClinic.com lists fevers as a common external symptom of pneumonia.
Aches and Weakness
As the lungs become inflamed due to pneumonia, pus and mucus builds up in the alveoli or air sacs of the lungs. This lowers the oxygen exchange with the blood. The Lung Association explains that, as blood oxygen levels drop, the cells of the body receive less oxygen and may cease to function normally. This results in symptoms of aches, weakness, tiredness, pale coloring and low energy.
Coughing
Coughing is a natural reflex to clear the lung airways of pus, mucous and inflammation in pneumonia. It is one of the most noticeable external symptoms of pneumonia, as noted by MayoClinic.com. Coughing due to pneumonia is initially a dry cough and then becomes productive as sputum and mucous are coughed up. The mucous is a yellow to green color due to the infection and may even be blood-tinged in more severe cases. Coughing symptoms may last longer than eight weeks in patients with pneumonia.
Shortness of Breath
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that shortness of breath occurs in pneumonia infections because the lungs become filled with pus, mucous and fluid secretions making it difficult to breathe. Shortness of breath or dyspnea causes noisy, raspy breathing, low energy and discomfort. It can also disrupt rest and sleep.
