What are 5 symptoms of pneumonia?

5 Common Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli). It can affect people of any age, but it’s most serious in older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the leading causes of hospitalization among adults in the United States and worldwide. Early recognition of symptoms can help you seek medical care promptly, which is key to a smoother recovery.

Below are five of the most common symptoms of pneumonia. Understanding these signs can help you decide when to seek medical evaluation and treatment.

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1. Persistent Cough

A cough is often the first clue that something is off with your lungs.

• Productive (wet) cough
  You may bring up green, yellow, or rust-colored mucus (sputum). This happens when your body is fighting off the infection and trying to clear the airways.

• Dry cough
  Sometimes the cough is hacking and doesn’t produce mucus. It can be painful and may worsen with deep breaths or physical activity.

Why it happens: In pneumonia, the air sacs in your lungs fill with fluid or pus, triggering the cough reflex as your body attempts to clear the material from your airways.

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2. Fever and Chills

Most people with pneumonia develop a fever. You may also experience shaking chills.

• High fever
  Temperatures often rise above 100.4°F (38°C). In older adults or those with weakened immune systems, fever can be mild or even absent, so pay attention to other symptoms.

• Chills and shivering
  You may feel cold and shake uncontrollably even as your thermometer climbs. This is your body’s way of ramping up its defenses against the infection.

Why it happens: Fever is part of your immune response. Raising your body temperature helps slow the growth of bacteria or viruses causing pneumonia.

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3. Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Feeling breathless or noticing that you can’t take a full breath is a hallmark symptom of pneumonia.

• Rapid, shallow breathing
  You may notice you’re breathing faster than usual, even when resting.

• Difficulty catching your breath
  You may feel like you’re not getting enough air, especially when lying down or with minimal exertion.

Why it happens: Fluid and inflammation in the lung tissue make it harder for oxygen to move into your bloodstream, forcing your body to work harder to breathe.

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4. Chest Pain

Pain or discomfort in your chest is common, especially when inhaling deeply or coughing.

• Sharp or stabbing pain
  Often felt on one side of your chest, this pain may worsen with each breath.

• Achy or dull pain
  Sometimes the sensation is more of a deep, constant ache rather than a sharp pain.

Why it happens: The lining that covers your lungs (the pleura) becomes inflamed. Each time you expand your lungs, the inflamed layers rub together, causing pain.

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5. Fatigue and General Malaise

Feeling unusually tired or run down is a less-specific—but very common—sign of pneumonia.

• Extreme tiredness
  You may feel so weak that even simple tasks like standing or getting dressed feel overwhelming.

• Body aches and muscle pain
  Generalized discomfort can accompany fatigue, making movement painful.

• Loss of appetite
  You may have no desire to eat or drink, which can lead to dehydration if not addressed.

Why it happens: Fighting an infection uses a lot of your body’s energy. Combined with reduced oxygen levels from lung inflammation, it can leave you exhausted.

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Other Possible Symptoms

Depending on the cause of pneumonia (bacterial, viral, or fungal) and your overall health, you might also notice:

• Headaches
• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (more common in older adults)
• Sweating
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Bluish tint to lips or fingernails (sign of low oxygen levels)
• Rapid heart rate

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When to Seek Help

Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening. If you experience any of the following, seek medical care immediately:

• Difficulty breathing at rest
• Persistent high fever (over 102°F)
• Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing
• Coughing up blood
• Sudden confusion or delirium
• Signs of dehydration (dark urine, very dry mouth)
• Bluish skin, lips, or nail beds

For a quick assessment of your symptoms, you might consider doing a free, online symptom check. While these tools can give you a general idea of what might be going on, they’re no substitute for a medical evaluation.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Clinical guidelines recommend that your healthcare provider gather a detailed history, perform a physical exam, and often order:

• Chest X-ray (to confirm infection and see its extent)
• Blood tests (to check for infection markers)
• Sputum culture (to identify the causative organism)
• Pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas (to assess oxygen levels)

Treatment typically includes:

• Antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia)
• Antiviral medication (for certain viral causes)
• Supportive care—fluids, rest, fever reducers, and oxygen therapy if needed

Most people begin to improve within 48–72 hours of starting appropriate treatment, but complete recovery can take weeks, especially in older adults.

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Key Takeaways

• Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that inflames the air sacs and can fill them with fluid.
• Five hallmark symptoms are:
  1. Persistent cough (wet or dry)
  2. Fever and chills
  3. Shortness of breath
  4. Chest pain
  5. Fatigue and malaise
• If you’re concerned, try a free, online symptom check for guidance—but always follow up with a healthcare professional.
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and speed your recovery.

Remember, while mild pneumonia can sometimes be managed at home, it can worsen quickly. If you experience severe or life-threatening symptoms, speak to a doctor or visit the emergency department immediately. Your health and safety are too important to delay.