Clinical Symptoms of Pneumonia
Clinical symptoms are those which allow a disease to be diagnosed by direct observation. Because there are different types of pneumonia, and because pneumonia can occur as a secondary infection after a cold or the flu, a variety of symptoms are associated with this lung disease. Pneumonia causes lung inflammation, and lung air sacs fill with pus and other liquids. This results in coughing and breathing difficulty. Most types of pneumonia are caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.
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Bacterial Pneumonia
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The most common bacterial pneumonia is called pneumococcal pneumonia, caused by the pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) bacterium. The pneumonia vaccine is used to treat this type of pneumonia. There are other less common types of bacterial pneumonia as well, with similar symptoms. Antibiotics usually are an effective treatment, although the disease can be fatal, particularly in elderly people or those with compromised immune systems.
Bacterial Symptoms
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Clinical symptoms of bacterial pneumonia usually come on rapidly and include coughing, shaking chills, and a high fever of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The cough produces yellowish or greenish sputum which may be bloody. The person may experience shortness of breath, rapid breathing, and chest pain when breathing. There also may be nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and sweating. The patient may report a headache or muscle aches.
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Viral Pneumonia
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Viral pneumonia usually has less severe clinical symptoms. Fever usually is lower than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, and coughing does not produce as much mucus. The patient may show fatigue, shortness of breath, sweating, and an inflamed throat. She may report a headache or muscle aches also. Viral pneumonia symptoms usually develop gradually.
Atypical Pneumonia
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Some other kinds of pneumonia are classified as atypical pneumonia, and can be caused by mycoplasma, Legionnaires' disease, or the chlamydia bacteria. Although Legionnaires' disease and chlamydia are treated with antibiotics, the symptoms are more like those of viral pneumonia. Mycoplasma is a fungal infection that usually resolves on its own, but can be treated with antibiotics if necessary.
Atypical Symptoms
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Symptoms of atypical pneumonia are wide-ranging and can include earache, fatigue, fever, headache, nasal discharge, nausea and vomiting, sore throat, and weakness. There may be pain when breathing, but not as severe as that of bacterial pneumonia. Patients also may have a hacking cough, but it usually is non-productive. The symptoms tend to develop gradually, and some people only experience coughing, a headache and muscle aches.
Age Considerations
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Babies and young children, along with elderly people, and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems, often have milder symptoms when they have pneumonia. Some do not even show signs of a lung infection. Elderly people may actually have a lower temperature than normal when they develop pneumonia.
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