Symptoms of pneumonia typically include:
- Cough, which may be dry or produce yellow, green, brown, or even bloody mucus (phlegm)
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever, often high, sometimes with chills and sweating
- Chest pain, especially sharp or stabbing pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing
- Fatigue or feeling very tired and generally unwell
- Loss of appetite
- Wheezing or making grunting noises when breathing, especially in babies
- Confusion or changes in mental awareness, particularly in older adults
- Rapid breathing and increased pulse rate
- Other symptoms can include headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting (especially in children), and cyanosis (bluish lips or skin due to lack of oxygen)
Symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually and may vary depending on the cause of pneumonia, the patient's age, and overall health
. In infants and young children, symptoms might be less specific and can include vomiting, restlessness, or decreased energy
. Older adults may have milder symptoms or even a lower-than-normal temperature but may show confusion or disorientation
. If symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing up blood, persistent cough over three weeks, bluish lips, or confusion occur, urgent medical attention is advised
. In summary, the main symptoms of pneumonia are cough with mucus, fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and in some cases, confusion or wheezing
