Signs and Symptoms of pneumonia
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia are basically of the upper respiratory infection.
Most people initially have symptoms of a cold followed by a high fever (sometimes as high as 104ºF), shaking chills, and a cough with sputum production. The sputum is usually discolored and sometimes bloody.
Patients may have breathing difficulties and shortness of breath.
Chest pain may develop if the outer aspects of the lung are involved. This pain is known as pleuritic pain and is usually sharp and worsens when taking a deep breath.
In other cases of pneumonia, there can be a slow onset of symptoms. A worsening cough, headaches and muscle aches may be the only symptoms.
In some people with pneumonia, coughing is not a major symptom because the infection is located in areas of the lung away from the larger airways.
While the above symptoms may be present in most of the population, in some populations the symptoms may not be very obvious. Children and babies who develop pneumonia often do not have any specific signs of a chest infection, but develop a fever, appear quite ill, and can become lethargic. Elderly people may also have few symptoms with pneumonia.
Caution has to be exercised in diagnosing and treating these patients because delays can prove fatal.
Next page: Diagnosis of Pneumonia
Written by :Healthplus24 team
Date last modified: March 26, 2012