Pneumonia signs and symptoms differ in severity and can be mild to severe dependent on a number of factors such as age, overall health, and infection type. Symptoms that are mild aren’t unlike the symptoms of the common cold or the flu but are more persistent.
The issue with pneumonia is that newborn babies and young children may not exhibit any discernible pneumonia signs at all, and pneumonia is very dangerous for their age group. Some symptoms they may exhibit can include a high fever, a persistent cough, loss of energy, and eating and breathing troubles. The second demographic most susceptible to pneumonia is the elderly who may experience a loss of alertness in addition to the common symptoms of pneumonia.
The Most Common Pneumonia Signs and Symptoms
– A high fever accompanied by shivering and sweating
– Unusually low body temperature among people aged 65 and over and those with a decline in overall health and impaired immune systems
– A persistent cough accompanied by green or brownish (presence of blood) mucous
– Chest pain while coughing or breathing
– Loss of energy and muscle/joint pain
– Headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting
When to Seek Medical Attention
– If you have trouble breathing, experience pain in your chest, or have a lingering fever of 102F or above
– If you have a persistent cough that is coupled with too much phlegm
– If you are 65+ or if your child of 2 years or under is exhibiting symptoms
– If you have an existing chronic disease or an impaired immune system
– If you are undergoing chemotherapy or on any drugs that subdue the immune system
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