{"id":657,"date":"2017-06-09T09:22:24","date_gmt":"2017-06-09T09:22:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=657"},"modified":"2021-03-11T14:36:08","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T14:36:08","slug":"9-symptoms-might-pneumonia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/9-symptoms-might-pneumonia\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Symptoms That it Might Be Pneumonia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s necessary to be aware of other signs of the infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1.  Fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A high temperature can be indicative of many things, and it is certainly a common symptom to watch out for in pneumonia<\/a>. Observe to see that it is present in association with other symptoms of pneumonia to be sure you\u2019re not missing the warning signs of other illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2.  Chills<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Before fever sets in, chills <\/a>and aching muscles are early symptoms that pneumonia may be in the system. Often the chills will set in first before the body temperature rises, but as fever picks up, it can mean the patient is running a high temperature but may feel cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shivering and shaking can occur as a result and are a classic sign, combined with other symptoms listed here, of pneumonia. They are all part of the body\u2019s natural defense mechanisms as it works to rid itself of infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the patient may feel cold, covering with too many blankets has the potential for exacerbating fever and could mean an increase in temperature to dangerously high levels. Be cautious of wrapping up too warm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3.  Coughing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coughing, coughing, coughing. Because the pneumonia infection takes up residence in the lungs, this is where the frontline of the battle commences. As a result, phlegm <\/a>and mucus build-up, and coughing is one of the most common signs of the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware that coughing alone can be synonymous with many other conditions and infections, so always cross-reference it with any other symptoms you (or the patient) are displaying. Coughing may sometimes produce yellow or green mucus in the process of clearing the accumulation in the lungs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sore throat can also be present, though not always, and can get worse over time if aggravated by coughing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. A Pounding Heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As the battle picks up the pace and the body declares all-out war on the infection, and it begins to work very hard. The heart rate can increase, and you may feel like it\u2019s racing, despite no physical exertion taking place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased heart rate can emphasize a shortness of breath, which may already be apparent as a symptom of compromised lung <\/a>capacity and efficiency. The rate of breathing may also increase so that you (or the patient) are displaying a fast, shallow breathing pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combined with a raised heart rate, this can feel very uncomfortable and is a sure sign that the body is under stress from a potential pneumoniae infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5.  Loss of Appetite<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loss of appetite is common when our bodies are in defense mode. The body is pooling all its resources into curing itself of infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eating and digestion take a lot of energy in themselves, and often the body will reject eating in favor of using those precious energy reserves to chase off bacterial or viral imposters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The prioritization of biological functioning is a regular part of the process, though it is wise to be still eating light, easily digested meals, such as soup, and to be drinking plenty of water. The fight takes energy, and the body will use a lot of fluids in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6.  Profuse Sweating<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A big reason that keeping hydrated is key is that profuse sweating can be a side effect of pneumonia. Profuse sweating can develop as infection and fever run their course, draining the body of vital fluids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweating has its purpose – it helps to regulate body temperature and can contribute to flushing the system of toxins<\/a>, meaning the body can then focus on fighting disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind that it is crucial to keep topped up with water and make a point of drinking enough. Again, this is a symptom that is often apparent with other infections involving fever, such as the flu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7.  Difficulty Breathing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

With impaired lung capacity due to inflammation of the alveoli <\/a>and the buildup of mucus in the lungs, sufferers may experience difficulty with breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is different from the increased speed of breath mentioned earlier as this symptom will likely express itself as a heavier, more labored breath, possibly accompanied by the slight rattling of mucus in the lung cavity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This symptom may only become apparent when some form of physical exertion takes place (such as walking upstairs). Pneumonia impacts the lungs heavily, so any change in breath pattern, combined with other symptoms on this list, may indicate infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8.  Chest Pain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Surrounding each lung are layers of membrane called the pleura<\/a>. Pneumonia aggravates these membranes by way of the infection itself and the coughing it causes. As a result, they can become inflamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This inflammation can contribute to the difficulty or shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest cavity. The discomfort can be such that it’s experienced as a sharp or stabbing pain, specifically in the lung, or in the chest area in general. Breathing and coughing will exacerbate any pain, particularly on the side of the body housing the infected lung.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9.  Weakness or Extreme Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As with the flu<\/a>, feeling fatigued can be one of the earliest symptoms of pneumonia. A general sense of weakness is a warning signal from the body that something is amiss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be aware of what your body is telling you it needs. If you are feeling weak, you will likely benefit from resting, and the illness may not hit so hard. As the body works the infection out of the system, a sense of exhaustion and overall lack of energy will likely persist for the duration of the illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be kind to yourself and give your body an opportunity to heal. You\u2019ll probably recover faster and be more productive in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Bronchitis Progression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who smoke cigarettes experience symptoms that are far more severe than those with healthy lungs that contract bronchitis infection. Many smokers choose to persist with their habit throughout the duration of the disease, resulting in the development of chronic bronchitis. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whereas common bronchitis<\/a> infection starts to clear after 3-days, people who develop the chronic form of the disease may have to endure the persistence of bronchitis symptoms for up to 6-months. During this time, these individuals are at risk of developing pneumonia. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lungs are the ideal breeding ground for the bacteria that cause pneumonia, and when weakened, due to chronic bronchitis infection, there\u2019s a high risk of the person developing pneumonia.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The affected individual may persist with their smoking habit, further increasing the chances of chronic bronchitis developing into pneumonia. If you are a smoker and experience chronic bronchitis, try to use it as a platform to quit the habit.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Changes in Mucus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the telltale signs of the development of chronic bronchitis is changes in mucus. Your phlegm may start to turn from a transparent color to a yellowish-tinge. By the third day, your mucus will have a green color, and should the condition persist, due to the affected individual developing chronic bronchitis, the mucus will start to turn dark green or brown.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This change sign of bacterial infection, and you\u2019ll need to visit your doctor for treatment with antibiotics to clear the infection and return your lungs to health. However, those individuals that smoke cigarettes <\/a>during this period of infection may find that their mucus continues to shift in color and consistency. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mucus may become robust and clumpy, and as coughing symptoms persist, the patient may cough their throat raw, resulting in tiny tears in the esophagus. This effect occurs due to blood entering the mucus, and blood may accompany the thick phlegm. As the condition progresses, the patient may develop pneumonia, and the phlegm will continue to emerge as brown, with specks of blood.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Shortness of Breath<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People with pneumonia experience a dramatic inflammation of the tissues in the lungs. The disease affects the bronchial tubes and alveoli, the tiny air sacs found at the end of the bronchial tubes. The alveoli are responsible for exchanging carbon dioxide<\/a> circulating in the body, for the oxygen they breathe into the lungs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, people with pneumonia experience and abnormality in this gaseous exchange, increasing their body\u2019s inability to deal with carbon dioxide. As a result of these symptoms, the patient will notice that they develop shortness of breath when moving, and climbing a flight of stairs will leave them breathing heavily. Unfortunately, there is no immediate treatment for these symptoms, and the affected individual will have to wait for the bacteria to die off before their lungs return to standard working capacity. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some individuals that smoke cigarettes and receive pneumonia due to the progression of chronic bronchitis may notice that these symptoms of shortness of breath hang around for months after the infection clears.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Pneumonia Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who do not receive treatment promptly may end up developing a host of complications related to the infection. Some of the more common difficulties experienced by patients include;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pneumonia bacteria enter the bloodstream<\/a>, causing the infection to spread to other organs and parts of the body. This severe complication may result in organ failure.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patients in the advanced stages of pneumonia will have trouble breathing and may feel like someone is holding their hand over their mouth as they try to inhale. Patients experiencing this complication require hospitalization, and treatment with an oxygen respirator to receive adequate oxygen flow to their lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pneumonia infection may cause fluid buildup in the lining of your lungs, also known as the \u201cpleura.\u201d If the fluid experiences infection, the patient will need to have it drained by a surgeon.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By far, the most severe complication of pneumonia is the spread of the bacteria into both lungs. This situation can lead to lung collapse and death.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Pneumonia Risk Factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are a set of risk factors that make some individuals more prone to developing pneumonia infection than others. Review the list below to see if you\u2019re in the high-risk group for contracting this infection.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n