Pneumonia Symptoms

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can range from mild to so severe

Pneumonia is the respiratory infection of the lungs with a range of possible causes. It can also be a serious and life-threatening disease if left untreated.

Pneumonia can occur at any age, but it is more dangerous for older adults, infants, and people with impaired immune systems. There are more than 30 different causes of Pneumonia. Older adults, children and people with chronic disease, COPD and asthma, are at high risk for pneumonia because their immune systems might not be strong enough to fight against the pathogens.

The main causes of pneumonia include a number of infectious agents- Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type. Other triggering factors of this respiratory system disorders include certain lifestyle habits, like smoking cigarettes and tobacco products, and drinking too much alcohol, and in contact with disease-causing pathogens including bacteria, virus and fungi.

Also Refer: Pneumonia

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on the types of pneumonia, age and health conditions. The symptoms may also vary, depending on whether the pneumonia is caused by bacterial or viral infections.

Also Refer:  Lung Diseases

The most common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• Headache.
• Confusion.
• Dry cough.
• Muscle pain.
• Clammy skin.
• Shaking chills.
• Loss of appetite.
• Shortness of breath.
• Mild or high Fever.
• Excessive sweating.
• High respiratory rate.
• Increased pulse rate.
• Low energy, and fatigue.
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain during coughing.
• Cough with greenish or yellow or even bloody mucus.
• Change in the colour of lips and nail beds due to lack of oxygen in the blood cells.

Pneumonia is a form of an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs – the primary organs of the human respiratory system. As per the health records, it is the largest infectious and life-threatening disease, which resulted in the death of 8 lakh children worldwide in the year 2017.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more in detail about Pneumonia, Lung Diseases, and other Respiratory System Disorders.