Pneumonia is a serious infection that should be treated promptly. Contact your doctor if you or your child have pneumonia symptoms.

Effects of Pneumonia on the Lungs

Pneumonia
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The symptoms of pneumonia include the following:

  • Fever or below normal temperature
  • Chills
  • Sweating
  • Rapid breathing
  • Cough, may be dry or may produce sputum
  • Increased sputum
  • Chest or abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pain through to the back
  • Pain with deep breathing
  • Rattle sound in the chest
  • Loss of energy, fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Headache
  • General muscle aches and pains
  • Lack of appetite

Severe symptoms that may occur in adults, especially the elderly, include:

  • Bluish color of the nails or lips due to diminished oxygen in the blood
  • Mental confusion (This is common in the elderly.)

Severe symptoms that may occur in babies and young children:

  • Flaring nostrils with each breath
  • Chest or ribs may suck in with each breath
  • Grunting sound with breathing