Pneumonia symptoms

Pneumonia symptoms vary depending on the cause. For example:

Bacterial pneumonia can come on gradually or suddenly. In the most severe cases, patients may experience shaking chills, chattering teeth, severe chest pain, and a cough which produces rust-colored.

Viral pneumonia symptoms initially resemble influenza (flu): fever, dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. After 12 to 36 hours, patients become increasingly short of breath. Cough becomes worse, and a small amount of mucus is produced. Fever becomes worse, and patients' lips may turn blue. In extreme cases, a bacterial infection may also develop, adding symptoms of bacterial pneumonia as well.

Mycoplasma pneumonia causes a severe cough that tends to come in violent attacks, producing a small amount of whitish mucus. Chills and fever appear early in the illness, and some patients experience nausea or vomiting.The symptoms and course of Mycoplasma infections are highly variable. It may simulate Strep throat or produce nothing more than a prolonged, annoying cough. Some experts believe that it may be an important cause of sever and prolonged attacks in individuals with asthma. . Patients may feel very weak for a long period of time.

Bronchitis symptoms

The hallmark symptom of bronchitis is a wet or dry cough, which may cause chest pain. Breathing may be difficult and accompanied by burning in the chest and wheezing or rattling in the throat. Exertion may cause shortness of breath. It is importantto consider the possibility that asthma may be the cause of the cough, especially if weezing and shortness of breath with exertion are prominent.

Patients may feel very tired and have a low-grade fever. Sputum (mucus mixed with saliva) may be clear, white, gray, yellow, or green.

Procedures

You should see your doctor for any symptoms which last more than a few days. You should also see a doctor . if fever rises, or if chest pains become severe.

Diagnostic tests may include a chest x-ray to locate infected areas in the lungs or airways. Blood tests may be done to help determine the cause and severity of the infection. In some cases, the doctor will take bacterial culture of the mucus produced by coughing. Cultures can help determine the type of bacteria causing the infection and the most effective antibiotics to use against it.