14 Symptoms That it Might Be Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs, often as a result of the bacteria Streptococcus Pneumoniae. It can also stem from an infection by the virus responsible for the common cold or that of the flu, having migrated from the nasal and throat region into the lungs. Other types of pneumonia include those caused by breathing in a foreign object, such as a fragment of food, a chemical substance or smoke.

Fungal pneumonia is rarer than bacterial and viral and is more likely to impact those with weakened immune systems. Infections of the lungs are often difficult to distinguish – pneumonia, flu and bronchitis share many of the same symptoms, and so it is recommended to see a medical practitioner for an accurate diagnosis. Much like the flu, symptoms of pneumonia can develop very suddenly.

However, they may also only become apparent over the course of several days. The air sacs in the lung swell and fill with fluid and mucus as the body attempts to fight off the microbial attack. As a result, coughing is often an early sign, but as this is synonymous with many respiratory conditions, it’s necessary to be aware of other signs of the infection.

1.  Fever

A high temperature can be indicative of many things, and it is certainly a common symptom to watch out for in pneumonia. Observe to see that it is present in association with other symptoms of pneumonia to be sure you’re not missing the warning signs of other illnesses.

A body temperature of around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius), to within 1 degree, is considered normal. Monitor anything above the normal range, and if it rises above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to seek the advice of a doctor. A headache may frequently accompany the fever.