During the winter season, pneumonia is often mistaken for the flu or a common cold and is frequently overlooked. It is a dangerous disease. Recently, a report has revealed that pneumonia cases are increasing rapidly, especially among those who take the initial pneumonia symptoms lightly.
This disease can take a serious turn within a few hours. Due to this, one has to face issues like difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and high fever. In some cases, the patient may even experience confusion or loss of consciousness.
In this blog, we will tell you about the 12 most important symptoms of pneumonia. If you or anyone close to you is experiencing flu-like symptoms, please read this blog thoroughly. It might become a reason to save someone’s life.
Top 4 Most Dangerous Pneumonia Symptoms
Some symptoms of pneumonia indicate that it’s time to contact a doctor for pneumonia treatment without any delay. These are the signs that show the disease has reached a severe stage:
- Shortness of Breath
If someone is experiencing shortness of breath even while walking normally or doing light activity, it could be a clear symptom of pneumonia. Due to infection in the lungs, oxygen is not absorbed properly, which causes this condition.
- Chest Pain
In pneumonia, chest pain often occurs, especially when taking a deep breath or coughing. This pain can feel sharp or stabbing, and many people confuse it with a heart issue.
- High Fever with Shivering
If the fever is above 101°F (38.3°C) and accompanied by intense shivering, it may be a sign of pneumonia. This sign indicates that your body’s immune system is fighting an infection, and the disease is becoming serious.
- Confusion or Mental Fog
This symptom is primarily observed in elderly individuals, but it can also occur in younger people. If someone is experiencing confusion or loss of awareness of time and place, it could be an emergency. Immediate pneumonia treatment or medical help is necessary at this time.
Common Pneumonia Symptoms
Pneumonia symptoms can vary slightly from person to person. However, some signs are found in almost every patient. It is essential to understand these signs so that pneumonia treatment can begin on time.
Cough
The most common symptom of pneumonia is a cough. It can be dry or with phlegm. The phlegm may be yellow, green, or sometimes even blood-stained.
Fatigue or Weakness
In pneumonia, the body becomes so weak that even small movements cause tiredness. Patients often spend the whole day sleeping or lying down.
Rapid Breathing
Often in pneumonia, the patient’s respiration rate increases. They start breathing rapidly and in short, rapid breaths, which is a warning sign.
Sweating & Feeling Hot
The body temperature can sometimes become very high, and the patient sweats profusely, especially at night.
Loss of Appetite
Due to infection, the patient doesn’t feel hungry, which also affects recovery. Loss of appetite slows down the recovery process.
Headache
Due to fever and dehydration, headache can also be a part of pneumonia. This often makes it feel like the flu.
Less Common but Important Pneumonia Symptoms
Not every case of pneumonia is the same. Some patients have symptoms that are not very obvious, which is why people easily ignore them. It’s essential to pay attention to such symptoms as well:
Bluish Skin or Lips
If a person’s lips or the skin on their fingers is turning slightly blue or grey, it means that oxygen is not properly reaching their body. This can be a serious result of pneumonia.
Nausea or Vomiting
Some people experience stomach issues along with pneumonia, such as vomiting or feeling nauseous. This is especially seen in children.
Night Sweats
Often, in pneumonia, fever increases at night. It results in excessive sweating. If clothes get wet with sweat every night, do not ignore them.
Sore Throat
This symptom feels like a common flu, but if a sore throat is accompanied by cough and fever, pneumonia should be suspected.
Wheezing or Crackling Sound While Breathing
Some people hear a wheezing or ‘crack crack’ sound in their chest while breathing, which could be a sign of fluid in the lungs.
Age-Specific Symptoms
Pneumonia affects every person differently. Especially in young children, elderly individuals, and people with weak immunity, its symptoms are very different from those seen in the general population.
Pneumonia Symptoms in Children
- Constant crying or irritability
- Abdominal pain along with fever
- Refusing to breastfeed or eat
- Sleeping more or being unusually sleepy
- A wheezing sound while breathing
- Skin turning blue or pale (lack of oxygen)
Young children cannot verbalize symptoms, so it’s essential to notice these physical signs.
Pneumonia Symptoms in the Elderly
- Confusion or memory loss
- Extreme weakness or inability to get out of bed
- Fever may be very mild or absent
- Shortness of breath or chest pressure
- Loss of appetite and dehydration
In elderly individuals, pneumonia often doesn’t show a clear fever, but a decline in mental alertness can be a strong indicator.
In People with Weak Immune Systems
In people with weak immune systems, like diabetics or cancer patients, symptoms develop slowly.
- Fever or cough may be mild, but the condition worsens rapidly
- The body is unable to fight the infection, causing it to spread in the lungs
- Recovery is also slow
Such individuals should not take even a minor cough or fatigue lightly.
Protection from Pneumonia: Simple and Essential Tips
If we adopt some crucial precautions and lifestyle habits, it is possible to prevent pneumonia. Below are some simple yet very effective tips that can help protect you and your family from this dangerous infection:
Get Vaccinated
Special vaccines are available for pneumonia, especially for children, elderly people, and those suffering from chronic illnesses. Consult your doctor and get vaccinated on time.
Always Wash Hands
Viruses and bacteria often spread through hands. It is important to wash hands before eating, after using the washroom, or after coming from outside.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking weakens the lungs, which increases the risk of getting pneumonia. If you are a smoker, quitting now would be the best decision.
Healthy Diet and Hydration
A strong immune system requires a balanced diet. Consuming fruits, vegetables, vitamin C, and plenty of water makes your body capable of fighting illnesses.
Protect Yourself in Wet or Cold Weather
Wearing warm clothes during cold weather, avoiding wet clothes, and staying dry in the rain helps prevent pneumonia.
Keep a Distance from Sick People
If someone has a cough, fever, or infection, avoid physical contact with them or at least use a mask to prevent the spread of germs.
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If you wish to regain your mental and physical well-being after pneumonia or any other health issue, IRCL’s trained staff is with you every step of the way.
