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An infection in one or both lungs is called pneumonia. It causes fluid or pus to accumulate in your lungs' air sacs. Early identification of its symptoms can decrease the risk of serious complications and timely medical attention and effective treatment can be guaranteed.
One of the most typical early signs of pneumonia is a persistent cough. Although coughing is a common symptom of many illnesses, the duration and intensity of the cough associated with pneumonia tend to be different.
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Dry vs. wet cough |
Depending on the type of infection, coughs caused by pneumonia can be either wet (productive) or dry (non-productive). While a wet cough, which is typical of bacterial pneumonia, produces mucus or phlegm that is frequently green or yellow in colour, a dry cough, which is frequently linked to viral pneumonia, can feel irritating and persistent. This distinction is significant because it can direct medical professionals in determining the root cause and recommending the best course of action. |
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Cough duration |
Coughs from pneumonia usually last longer than those from colds. Your cough may be an indication of pneumonia if it has lasted longer than a week and seems to be getting worse rather than better. Prolonged, severe coughing that interferes with sleep or is uncomfortable is especially dangerous and needs to be treated by a doctor. |
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Accompanying chest pain |
Pneumonia-related coughing may cause discomfort or pain in the chest. This pain is usually sharp and intensifies when you take a deep breath or cough. Lung inflammation can aggravate the lining of the chest, resulting in pain that may spread throughout the torso. It is critical to see a doctor right away if you have this kind of chest pain in addition to your cough. |
Another important sign of pneumonia is shortness of breath, which indicates that the infection is impairing your lungs' capacity to exchange oxygen effectively. This symptom, which can be mild to severe, is especially harmful to people who already have underlying medical conditions.
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Difficulty breathing |
The most alarming symptom of shortness of breath caused by pneumonia is when a person feels as though they are unable to catch their breath even when they are walking or speaking. This might indicate that the lungs are not working correctly and that the infection has spread considerably. |
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Exertion-related symptoms |
Having pneumonia can make it difficult to do simple things like walking, climbing stairs, or even talking. As the infection worsens, every light exertion may cause breathlessness. If you experience unusual fatigue from daily activities, it may indicate pneumonia and should not be disregarded. |
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Oxygen levels |
Hypoxia, a dangerous drop in oxygen levels, can result from severe pneumonia. This can cause extreme fatigue, confusion, and a bluish tint to the lips or fingernails. If any of these symptoms apply to you or someone you know, get emergency medical help right away. |
Other common symptoms of pneumonia include fever and chills, which show that the body is battling a serious infection. Particularly in bacterial cases, fevers associated with pneumonia frequently spike abruptly, reaching 38.8°C (102°F) or higher. Patients who have these fevers may experience chills and excessive sweating, which leaves them feeling exhausted and weak.
Patients with pneumonia often feel weakness and exhaustion. They might experience fatigue and find it difficult to carry out everyday activities like eating, taking a shower, or even getting out of bed. Pneumonia-induced fatigue can persist for weeks, even after the infection has subsided, particularly in elderly or chronically ill people. When accompanied by other symptoms like fever or coughing, this symptom can be particularly concerning. If your fatigue gets worse, you should see a doctor.
Viruses, fungi, or bacteria can all cause pneumonia. The most prevalent kind, bacterial pneumonia, frequently develops after a cold or flu. While fungal pneumonia is uncommon but dangerous, viral pneumonia is usually less severe but can still result in serious health issues.
Yes, certain forms of pneumonia, especially those caused by bacteria and viruses, are contagious and can spread through coughing or sneezing droplets. Fungal pneumonia, on the other hand, cannot be spread.
Blood tests, chest X-rays, physical examinations, and occasionally sputum cultures are used to diagnose pneumonia and identify its underlying cause.
Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral drugs for viral infections, and antifungal treatments for fungal infections are possible treatments, depending on the type of pneumonia. In severe cases, oxygen therapy and hospitalisation may be necessary.
Yes, vaccinations against flu and bacterial pneumonia such as the pneumococcal vaccine can lower your risk. Pneumonia can also be avoided with proper hygiene.
Early detection of pneumonia symptoms can save lives. Get medical help right away if you or a loved one is suffering from persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, fever, or confusion. Although pneumonia can worsen rapidly, recovery is achievable with the correct medical attention.
Feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment if you have any questions or concerns about pneumonia. If a health screening is needed, please get in touch with your closest Gleneagles Hospital. You may also book an appointment by downloading the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
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