What are the symptoms and signs of pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs that is usually caused by the infection. The symptoms of pneumonia can vary depending on the cause of the pneumonia and the general health of the person who has pneumonia. The pneumonia symptoms initially begin with the cold which is followed by the high fever.
Pneumonia is defined as an acute lower respiratory tract infection, together with new radiographic shadowing.1 Anybody can get pneumonia, although it is most common in elderly people. The clinical history of pneumonia may include one or more of: Pleuritic chest pain Shortness of breath Cough Production of sputum Rigors or night sweats Confusion. On examination the signs may include: Raised respiratory rate Fever of = 38°C Focal chest signs: decreased chest expansion, dullness on percussion, decreased entry of air, bronchial breathing, and crackles (none, some, or all of these may be present).
