Pneumonia : Symptoms and Risk factors

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Jul 31, 2023

Pneumonia is a contagious disease that is usually caused by bacterias, viruses or fungi. This particular infection causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both of the lungs. As a matter of fact, bacterial pneumonia is known for being more dangerous and more common than viral pneumonia. However, all kinds of pneumonia can cause critical harm to one or both lungs and can even be life threatening if not detected or treated at the initial stage.

It may sometimes be very difficult for a common person to differentiate between pneumonia and common cold and flu. However, there are certain signs and symptoms of pneumonia that make it different from common cold and flu and this is the major reason why it is necessary to know about these symptoms. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of pneumonia are mentioned below for you.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia

• Chest pain or congestion
• A fever of 102 fahrenheit or higher
• Difficulty in breathing
• Yellow or green cough
• Bloody mucus and spit
• Changes in mental awareness
• Confusion
• Shaking chills and sweating
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite

It is always recommended to consult any genuine and reliable medical expert immediately once the primary signs and symptoms of pneumonia start to show up in your body. To be mentioned again, pneumonia can be life threatening and this is why delaying seeking medical attention won’t be a wise decision. However, some of us are at a higher risk of getting this disease. Take a glance to know which people are more likely to get pneumonia.

Who is more likely to have pneumonia?

• People who are suffering from any particular lung or heart condition
• People who smoke regularly
• People who are suffering from any particular neurological condition that makes them face difficulty in swallowing
• Women who are pregnant
• People who are having a weakened immune system
• People who work at healthcare facilities
• People who are over 65 years or under 2 years of age

As a matter of fact, common cold, Covid-19, Legionnaires disease, HMPV, HPIV, mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria, pneumococcal disease, respiratory syncytial virus etc are known as some of the most mentionable causes of pneumonia. It is extremely necessary for people of all ages and specifically those who are at a higher risk of getting the disease to get vaccinated for pneumonia as soon as possible. Don’t forget to have a consultation with a certified doctor to know if it is necessary for you to receive the pneumonia vaccine or not.