Pneumonia Symptoms

Pneumonia is a respiratory disorder caused by the invasion of microbes that include viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. In this condition, the lungs (either one or both) become inflamed, which is usually due to a bacterial or viral infection. The inflammation of the lungs in pneumonia is a serious issue, especially in people with a weakened immune system. The ability of the lungs to function efficiently diminishes considerably when affected with pneumonia. Symptoms manifest in the form of breathing problems that worsen over time, if treatment is ignored. On the other hand walking pneumonia refers to a mild lung infection that does not interfere with the daily routine. The symptoms are not bothersome and hence one can continue doing his daily tasks without taking any rest.

Common Cold Symptoms
With the onset of this lung infection, the initial symptoms are similar to that of common cold. The person suffers from a runny nose (presence of too much nasal fluid in the nose) and may sneeze frequently. This is followed by sore throat and whole body ache. The person may also complaint about fatigue, muscle weakness and headache. These initial symptoms indicate that the infection has affected only the upper respiratory tract and has not reached the lungs.

High Fever
Although increase in body temperature also occurs in patients with common cold, pneumonia typically causes persistent high fever that may reach up to 104 degree Fahrenheit. Persistent, unpleasant breath odor (bad breath) has also been associated with pneumonia patients.

Cough
The person may suffer from dry or mucus producing cough depending on the type of infection. Viral pneumonia causes dry cough while a person with bacterial pneumonia suffers from sputum producing cough. The sputum that is vomited while coughing is usually yellow or red in color. Fluid often gets accumulated in the lungs that is affected with bacterial pneumonia. In a bid to eliminate this fluid build up in the lungs, mucus (phlegm) is expelled during a cough.

Chest Pain
Chest pain can also occur as a consequence of pneumonia. Deep breathing can aggravate chest discomfort. The location of the chest pain may vary depending upon which lung is infected. The pain usually remains confined to one side of the chest, unless both the lungs are affected.

Breathing Difficulty
Due to the infection, the lungs find it more difficult to perform its task of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. The lungs consists of very small sac like structure referred as alveoli. Their main job is to pass the inhaled oxygen to the blood and collect the carbon dioxide that is produced as a byproduct of body's metabolism and throw it out of the body. However, in this condition (pneumonia) the alveoli are inflamed, making them less flexible. As a result, the alveoli find it hard to transfer oxygen and exhale out carbon dioxide. This can lead to shortness of breath. Grunting or wheezing noise while breathing accompanied by vomiting and nausea is also observed in babies affected with pneumonia.

Shivering and Chills
Experiencing feeling of coldness followed by trembling even in hot environment is one of the common signs and symptoms of pneumonia.

Discoloration of Nailbeds
The main function of the lungs is to supply the inhaled oxygen to the bloodstream, which then reaches the different parts of the body. However, due to poor lung function resulting from viral or bacterial attack, sufficient oxygen is not transported to the blood. The side effect of oxygen deficient blood circulating in the body is observed in the form of blue lips and nail beds. This symptom is prevalent in pneumonia patients caused by bacteria.

Keep in mind that there are a number of respiratory disorders whose symptoms resemble to that of pneumonia. So, simply on the basis of symptoms, it is not possible to diagnose pneumonia. Therefore, the person is asked to undergo a chest X-ray to rule out the possibility of other respiratory problems like bronchitis and flu. Pneumonia treatment is considered depending upon the type of lung infection. Pneumonia caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics whereas antiviral medicines complemented with increased fluid intake is recommended for viral pneumonia. Patients diagnosed with fungal pneumonia are put on antifungal drugs.