Pneumonia Symptoms & Recovery
Pneumonia, or bronchopneumonia, is a chronic medical condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed due to infection by bacteria, fungi or viruses, or some other irritant, such as an inhaled chemical or liquid.
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Respiratory Symptoms
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Pneumonia may cause coughing, pleurisy--sharp chest pains while breathing--and shortness of breath. When any of the symptoms persist, visit a doctor immediately to prevent the condition from becoming life-threatening.
Fever
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Fever is a frequent sign of pneumonia. Seek prompt medical attention if a persistent fever occurs unexpectedly, reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit or accompanies sweating and chills. Older individuals may have an abnormally low temperature instead of a fever.
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Other Symptoms
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Additional common symptoms of pneumonia include chills, fatigue, headache, muscle pain and sweating. Since pneumonia and the flu often involve similar symptoms, such as coughing and fatigue, it may be difficult to distinguish between them.
Recovery
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Recovering from pneumonia may involve taking antibiotics, anti-fungal medication or non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, and getting plenty of fluids and rest. Severe cases may require hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and oxygen.
Considerations
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Older people and individuals with weak immune systems or chronic illnesses are at higher risk of developing pneumonia. However, they're also more likely to experience milder or fewer symptoms than non-high-risk people.
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