Be Aware - Six Pneumonia Symptoms You Don’t Want to Miss
Pneumonia is one of those conditions that warrants medical attention sooner, rather than later. Because some of its symptoms may be present with the flu, it is important to see a physician as soon as these symptoms present themselves. A doctor can distinguish between the two illnesses and help you ensure you have a quick and complete recovery. This is especially important because patients who do not fully heal may relapse if not treated properly.
Below are some of the warning signs that pneumonia could be plaguing you.
- Shortness of breath: This is a trademark symptom of pneumonia, and if you experience difficulty taking a deep breath or feel breathless with minor activity, it could be pneumonia. Sometimes sufferers only experience this symptom when climbing stairs. It does not have to be a constant ailment to indicate pneumonia is in the lungs.
- Cough: Pneumonia is nearly always accompanied by a persistent cough. This cough can range from a dry, unproductive cough (as with walking pneumonia) to a violent, mucus or pus-producing cough. In some cases, sufferers have even coughed up blood. A cough that lasts longer than two to three weeks or seems to intensify rather than subsiding as time passes may be indicative of pneumonia.
- Loss of appetite: While this symptom may accompany flu or even a bad cold, it is a sign you don’t want to write off too quickly. If you are having difficulty eating, especially if this is an unusual symptom for you, seek medical attention to find out if you are suffering from pneumonia.
- Confusion: This symptom is particularly common in older patients affected by pneumonia, but it can manifest in young, healthy sufferers as well. If you feel foggy, confused and disoriented, this may be a sign that you are affected by a more serious illness than you might initially suspect -- namely, pneumonia.