Pneumonia typically feels like a combination of respiratory and systemic symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Early on, it may resemble the flu or a bad cold, with symptoms such as dry cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, and general weakness
. As pneumonia progresses, symptoms often worsen and include:
- A cough that may produce greenish, yellow, or bloody mucus
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sometimes with rapid, shallow breaths
- Sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing
- High fever, sweating, and chills, sometimes with shaking
- Fatigue, loss of appetite, and feeling very tired or weak
- Bluish lips or nail beds due to low oxygen levels in severe cases
- Confusion or changes in mental awareness, especially in older adults
In children, symptoms may include vomiting, restlessness, or appearing unusually tired
. Some people with pneumonia may also experience nausea or vomiting
. Overall, pneumonia feels like a serious lung infection causing inflammation and fluid buildup in the air sacs, making breathing difficult and causing systemic illness with fever, cough, and fatigue
. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, high fever, or worsening symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly
