Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory disorder characterized by infection or inflammation in the lungs. The infection is caused due to bacteria, fungus, or any other parasite. Among all the different causes, bacterial pneumonia is the most common one, caused due to bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Due to the infection, one or both the lungs are filled with pus which makes oxygen supply difficult. This makes pneumonia life-threatening, although not in all cases. In order to prevent the condition from being fatal, it is essential to know the identifying signs and get the condition treated immediately.

Pneumonia Symptoms in Adults

People with a weak immune system like older people or children are at a higher risk of suffering from this respiratory disorder. Walking pneumonia is a type of pneumonia which is named so because the person can walk around even when suffering from this condition, as the symptoms are not severe.

• Cough
• Fever
• Difficulty in breathing
• Increased heartbeat
• Chills / shivering
• Loss of appetite
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Nausea
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Vomiting

Sometimes, adults and older people may also experience disorientation and confusion as a sign of pneumonia. Other lesser common symptoms include coughing up blood. The signs and symptoms of walking pneumonia are also similar as the above mentioned ones; although less severe.

Pneumonia Symptoms in Children

In case of children, most of the above mentioned symptoms like cough, fever, shortness of breath are observed.

• Fever
• Cough
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Wheezing
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Skin rash and diarrhea are the symptoms that are mostly observed in children, and rarely in adults. Children may also suffer from nasal congestion and symptoms like those of common cold.

Pneumonia Symptoms in Babies

Parents need to be specially watchful of the symptoms of pneumonia in toddlers and babies, as it is considered as one of the major fatal conditions in babies.

• Mucus producing cough
• Fever
• Difficulty in breathing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Constant crying
• Refusal to eat
• Lethargy

Symptoms of walking pneumonia in children may include the above mentioned symptoms, as well as pain around eyes and ears and skin rash. Similarly, nasal congestion, skin rash, pain around eyes, enlargement of the lymph glands, along with the above mentioned symptoms are the signs of walking pneumonia in adults.

Symptoms of this condition need to be identified and diagnosed at an early stage. Treatment depends on whether it is caused due to bacteria, virus or some other parasite. Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with the help of antibiotics. However, antibiotics prove to be ineffective against viral pneumonia. In case of viral infection, rest is advised. Hospitalization is necessary in case severe symptoms are observed. Walking pneumonia symptoms and treatment are similar to that of other forms of pneumonia.

Now that you know about the symptoms of pneumonia, it is better not to ignore even the trivial seeming symptoms like cough and fever. In case these symptoms turn severe, or other symptoms are found to accompany them, it is wise to consult a doctor immediately. Take care!