Pneumonia is an illness characterized by the inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection. This infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Pneumonia occurs commonly in people who have a chronic illness or a compromised immune system. Pneumonia can be mild, however if left untreated or treated improperly, it can turn fatal. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of pneumonia can alert you to seek proper treatment.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Initial symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cold sweats, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea or vomiting. Being able to distinguish signs and symptoms of pneumonia can sometimes be difficult because symptoms appear very quickly and often resemble those of the common cold or flu. Paying attention to when and how symptoms persist can provide your doctor with information that will help him to test for and confirm a diagnosis of pneumonia.
Respiratory Symptoms
Pneumonia will almost always cause a cough. The cough typically starts as a dry, persistent cough however it can eventually become more active, producing phlegm. You may have what is described as a "rattling cough" where you can hear the fluid in your lungs and bronchial tubes. In addition to a cough, you may experience shortness of breath due to the infection in your lungs. You may notice uneven or fast breathing as well as a slightly accelerated or rapid heartbeat.
Chest and Lung-Specific Symptoms
Some pneumonia sufferers recall experiencing chest pain that sometimes feels like a consistent ache but sometimes seems to fluctuate in severity with breathing. In most cases, the chest pain occurs on one side of the chest, usually on the side of the infected lung. In cases of pneumonia where the lower lobes of the lung are infected, you may experience severe abdominal pain.
Emergency Symptoms
Pneumonia develops quickly and can turn severe even quicker without adequate treatment. University of Maryland Medical Center identifies the following as emergency symptoms: coughing up blood or phlegm containing blood, developing blue-toned skin, developing a high fever, having extreme difficulty breathing (more than shortness of breath), confusion or reduced cognitive functioning, consistent rapid heartbeat or sudden weight loss. It is important to notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.
