Main Symptoms for Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in one or both lungs and is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms. During this infection, the air sacs become inflamed and they may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, chills, fever, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and the bacteria and viruses that cause it are usually inhaled. It can be spread through coughing, sneezing, or onto shared objects through touch. The signs and symptoms of infection usually resemble those of the flu or a cold and tend to vary depending on the pneumonia-causing germs. Below, we outline the main symptoms of pneumonia: 1. Fever A fever is a common symptom of pneumonia and depending on which germ is responsible for the infection, it could be either mild or severe. An over-the-counter medication should be enough to relieve a mild fever, but it could a few days for the fever to subside. If your fever reaches more than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, you should see your doctor immediately. 2. Cough A cough that may or may not produce phlegm is a classic symptom of pneumonia. It is usually the first sign of infection and can last for several days, even after a course of medication is complete.