Pneumonia: symptoms
Common symptoms of pneumonia
The symptoms will usually depend on the cause of the pneumonia, however, a productive cough, chest pain, fever or chills and difficulty breathing or breathlessness, are all common symptoms of pneumonia.
Bacterial pneumonia
In bacterial pneumonia, the symptoms can appear suddenly and be very severe or may appear more gradually. The symptoms include:
- a rapid increase in breathing and pulse rate;
- slightly blue lips and nailbeds due to lack of oxygen;
- chattering teeth;
- shivering;
- excessive sweating;
- severe chest pain;
- mental confusion;
- productive cough producing green or yellow mucus or mucus tinged red or brown from blood; and
- a high temperature.
Viral pneumonia
Doctors believe about half of all pneumonias are caused by viruses. Most viral pneumonias are not serious and only last for a short time, but the influenza (flu) virus can cause serious pneumonia in the elderly or people with impaired immunity. In some cases viral pneumonia may be complicated by a bacterial infection and show the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms of viral pneumonia can be similar to an attack of flu and include:
- headache;
- fever;
- dry cough;
- general weariness and muscle pain; and
- exhaustion.
The symptoms can sometimes lead to a rapid deterioration in condition, with extreme breathlessness, and a desperate need for air, developing.
Mycoplasmal pneumonia
This is the most widespread form of pneumonia in people aged under 40. It often occurs as an epidemic in confined groups such as families, students and military personnel. It is usually a mild pneumonia, but can be severe. Sometimes cough and weakness can go on for a few weeks if it’s not treated.
Common symptoms include:
- chills and fever;
- sore throat;
- dry cough, which may turn productive;
- fatigue, which can last for several weeks after the disease has subsided;
- joint pain and muscle aches; and
- in some people, a skin rash.
Last Reviewed: 11 August 2006
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