Signs Of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is the infection of the lungs where the infected person suffers from breathing trouble as the lung tissue are filled with pus and other fluids, thus making it difficult for oxygen in the lungs to reach the bloodstream. Pneumonia can be caused by different organisms including bacteria, parasites, viruses, fungi, etc. People around the age of 65 or more and people with poor immune systems are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. Pneumonia can also occur in children and healthy young people as well. Pneumonia can range from being mild in severity to life-threatening in seriousness. While mild pneumonia caused by bacteria can be cured by the use of antibiotics, the best means to stay away from this infection is by preventing the infection. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia mimic the symptoms of common flu, so most people suffering from pneumonia don’t realize the seriousness or even the fact that they have the malady. Read through the next section to learn more about the most prominent signs of pneumonia.

• The signs of pneumonia may vary from mild-to-severe depending on the type of organism that has caused the infection.
• The signs of pneumonia are similar to that of common flu so most people don’t realize that they have a more serious condition.
• The most common sign of pneumonia is fever associated with cough producing greenish or yellow sputum or phlegm. People with pneumonia may cough up blood and may experience sweaty and moist skin.
• People suffering from pneumonia also experience shortness of breath and shaking chills.
• Other signs of pneumonia include sweating and chest pain that fluctuates with breathing.
• Most people suffering from pneumonia complain of severe headaches and low energy levels.
• Some people suffering from pneumonia may have other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Patients who are at a higher risk may have other complications as well. Bacteremia is one such complication where the infection spreads to the patient’s bloodstream.
• In extreme cases of pneumonia, fluids may accumulate in the pleural space, the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition is called ‘empyema’. Doctors need to drain out this fluid using a chest tube to help alleviate the condition. In some cases the fluid is also removed through surgical intervention.
• Lung abscess can also be formed in severe cases of pneumonia where pus is formed in the lung cavity. In most cases a course of antibiotics is enough to cure lung abscess, but in serious conditions a needle drainage or surgery is needed to remove the abscess.
• Other signs may include blueness of the skin, mood swings, and joint pains.
• In certain types of pneumonia, patients may also suffer from weight loss and night sweats.
• Senior people suffering from pneumonia may have all the above symptoms along with signs like unsteadiness leading to a fall.
• Infants affected with pneumonia are generally heavy-eyed and may have a decreased appetite.
• Physical examination of a patient suffering from pneumonia will reveal fever or low body temperature, low blood pressure, low oxygen saturation, an increased respiratory rate, and a high heart rate as well.