Symptoms of pneumonia in adults

Viruses are more typically the culprit in children. Causes of viral pneumonia include influenza (the flu virus), rhinovirus (the common cold), and RSV ( In contrast, when kids get bacterial pneumonia, they tend to get sicker faster. If you are concerned about your child's health, check in with your healthcare provider or call 911 if you believe it is an emergency. Vaping has been linked to deaths across the country and is associated with lipoid pneumonia. Vaping may also irritate the lungs through the inhalation of chemicals found in many vaping products. Chemical pneumonia can develop after inhaling chemicals that cause your lungs to become inflamed. Lipoid pneumonia is caused when lipids (essentially fatty acids) enter the lungs, causing them to become inflamed. If the infection is compromising your lung function, you may not be able to deliver enough oxygen to your blood. Some people require supplemental oxygen or treatments to help them breathe with pneumonia. In severe cases, Dr. Glatt said a tube might be inserted into the airway to help the person breathe. And while you should watch out for the symptoms listed above in children, there are several less-specific symptoms to learn about. These additional symptoms include poor feeding in infants who may then become dehydrated, for example. Children may have a loss of appetite. And kids won't be full of energy. Pneumonia in kids can also lead to abdominal pain or vomiting.

As the first week of infection continues, pneumonia symptoms may worsen or begin to clear up, depending on the type, severity, and treatment plan. Complications such as a lung abscess (pus-filled cavity in the lung) and worsening cough, night sweats, coughing up blood, or unintentional weight loss may occur. In this case, a healthcare provider may prescribe In late-stage pneumonia, which typically starts around day eight of an infection, your immune system works hard to repair damage to your lungs. As this occurs, you usually cough to help remove any remaining debris. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for at least 10 days, but you may be weaned off of supplemental oxygen. If you continue to have complications during this time, mechanical ventilation may be necessary to allow the lungs to heal. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a common cause of viral pneumonia. One study found that over 90% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 also tested positive for pneumonia. Those with severe COVID-19 symptoms had a 10% higher likelihood of developing pneumonia than those without symptoms. COVID-19 pneumonia commonly affects both lungs and is more likely to have long-lasting effects, though data on this are still young. Bronchitis is when the small airways that distribute oxygen in your lungs (bronchioles) become inflamed and filled with mucus. This often occurs after you have a cold or other viral infection. Pneumonia affects the tiny sacs in your lungs that move oxygen and carbo...

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia? Pneumonia symptoms can vary from so mild you barely notice them, to so severe that hospitalization is required. How your body responds to pneumonia depends on the type germ causing the infection, your age and your overall health. The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: Bacterial pneumonia, which is the most common form, tends to be more serious than other The symptoms of viral pneumonia usually develop over a period of several days. Early symptoms are similar to Symptoms may vary in certain populations. Newborns and infants may not show any signs of the infection. Or, they may vomit, have a fever and cough, or appear restless, sick, or tired and without energy. Older adults and people who have serious illnesses or weak immune systems may have fewer and milder symptoms. They may even have a lower than normal temperature. Older adults who have pneumonia sometimes have sudden changes in mental awareness. For individuals that already have a chronic lung disease, those symptoms may worsen. When to call a doctor If you think you or your child has symptoms of pneumonia, don't wait for the disease to get even worse before you seek care. Call your doctor. And see your doctor right away if you have difficulty breathing, develop a bluish color in your lips and fingertips, have chest pain, a high fever, or a cough with mucus that is severe or is getting worse. It's especially important to get medical attention for pneumonia if you are in a ...