Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of lungs. There are many different causes of Pneumonia. It is usually caused by bacteria, fungus, parasites or virus. It is very common disease which occurs at all age groups and is the leading cause of deaths.

It gets cured in about two to three weeks. It is more serious than Bronchitis. In some cases both pneumonia and bronchitis occur together and it is known as broncho-pneumonia. The most important symptom of this disease is shortness of breath.

Some causes of Pneumonia are fungal infection, irritant dust, irritation by worms, inhaling foreign material, infection, noxious gases or vapors. Apart from these other causes of pneumonia would be faulty eating habits and lifestyle.

This disease usually begins with an upper respiratory tract infection i.e. an infection of the nose and throat. However, the symptoms of pneumonia start after two or three days of cold or sore throat.

The risk factors of Pneumonia are described below:

• If you have undergone a traumatic injury or surgery

• Smoking or drinking alcohol

• If you have some diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or HIV/AIDS

• This disease can also be acquired from hospital

• Exposure to certain pollutants or chemicals

Symptoms of Pneumonia:

The general symptoms of Pneumonia are described below:

• Shortness of breath

• Nausea, vomiting, and muscle aches

• Cough

• Bluish or gray color of lips and fingernails in extreme cases

• Rapid breathing and heartbeat

• Chest pain

• Loss of appetite

• Abdominal pain

• Decreased activity

• Fever

• History of untreated respiratory infection

The pneumonia symptoms in children are feeling of illness and fever along with lethargy. Other than these symptoms, this disease varies depending on the causes and some other factors.

The different types of Pneumonia and it symptoms are mentioned below:

• The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are coughing which eliminates green liquid, high fever, coldness accompanied with rapid heartbeat and shivers and skin turning blue

• The symptoms of viral pneumonia are feeling tired and weak, dry cough and chest pain followed by headache and fever

• The symptoms of Mycoplasmal pneumonia are feeling tired, fever, painful articulation, dry cough, and sore throat

People who are at a high risk of being affected by this disease are elderly people and children. Elders are mostly affected with pneumonia caused by bacteria or virus. People who are below the age group of forty are at high risk of being affected by Mycoplasmal Pneumonia.

This illness can also be prevented if you take some necessary simple steps such as stop smoking, washing your hands properly after you have come in contact with the person affected with this illness.

There are many different treatments that are available for Pneumonia. They can be either oral antibiotics or in case of severe cases provide oxygen and other supportive treatments. You can also opt for home treatments of pneumonia such as tea prepared from fenugreek seeds or applying a paste of ginger externally on the chest.