Pneumonia is a condition in which the lungs become inflamed from infections caused by parasites, fungus, viruses and bacteria. While your lungs normally fight off such infections, if you are already in a weakened state, it is easier for pneumonia to develop. Pneumonia creates congestion in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. In some cases, this illness can be fatal so it is important to recognize the early symptoms of pneumonia.
Pain
Pain is often an early symptom of pneumonia, afflicting various parts of the body. The most obvious is pain in the chest as you breathe. This is caused by inflammation of the lining of the lung, a condition called pleurisy. Other typical early pain symptoms of pneumonia may not immediately appear to be connected with the condition. For example, you may experience pain in muscles throughout your body. You also may get headaches from pneumonia.
Fatigue
Pneumonia may cause you to become fatigued easily, or to experience fatigue that persists for no apparent reason. Fatigue is a general weakness throughout your body that many people associate with hard work or strenuous exercise. If you have not participated in either of those activities and you still feel fatigued, it can be an early symptom of pneumonia.
Flu-like Symptoms
Because the flu is similar to pneumonia, you may experience symptoms that are similar. If you already have the flu or a cold, the transition may not be noticeable until the symptoms become more severe. Flu-like symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, sweating, a cough and shortness of breath. The fever may be high, above 103 degrees, a dangerous situation according to Mayo Clinic. Those who suffer from chronic illnesses or persons who are elderly may develop lower temperatures with pneumonia, however.
