Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and respiratory system that typically starts with a slight cough. As symptoms persist, a person may develop a high fever and have difficulty breathing. Most of the time, if a person develops pneumonia they will be treated with some antibiotics and possibly some steroids and the symptoms will go away in just a few weeks.
However, babies and elder people are more at risk for more serious symptoms from the infection. In addition, those who have other medical conditions are more likely to develop pneumonia and also experience serious symptoms from it. Many people make the mistake of thinking they simply have a cold and do not seek treatment right away.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms on this list, there is a chance that your cold has developed into pneumonia and you need to seek medical attention right away.
1. Persistent Cough with Mucus
A persistent cough can be a sign of pneumonia. While a cough may be a symptom of a cold or other infection, a persistent cough that does not go away and is quite painful can be a sign of pneumonia. When a person develops pneumonia, the cough that comes with it can be quite painful as the lungs become more inflamed.
If you have a persistent cough that lasts more than a week, it is a good idea to see your doctor for a chest x-ray and a diagnosis. Along with a cough that is persistent is coughing up mucus. The mucus will likely be green or yellow in color, which is a sign of an infection. At times, when coughing up mucus, you may notice that there is some blood in it as well.
This is a definite sign that something is wrong and you should consult with your doctor about your persistent cough and mention that there has been blood in the mucus you have been coughing up as well.
