Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue, caused by bacteria, which often appears suddenly. Fever, shortness of breath and cough are among the first symptoms to take seriously.
Pneumonia is an infection of the lung caused by bacteria – pneumococcus most often – or by a virus. “Pneumonia is not related to characteristic symptoms per se. In other words, the general public won’t really be able to tell the difference between pneumonia and bronchitis. However, what you need to know is that the onset of pneumonia is often very sudden (a few hours)“, indicates in the preamble Dr. Cécilia Nocent-Ejnaini, Pneumologist-Allergologist at the Basque Coast Hospital Center in Bayonne, member of the College of Pneumologists of General Hospitals. pneumonia symptoms may vary depending on the bacteria involved and the condition of the person affected, but here are the typical warning symptoms of pneumonia.
1. A fever
“Often, in the case of pneumonia, there is a rise in temperature around 39-40°Cdescribes our interlocutor. A high fever is a warning sign. Do not tell yourself that it will pass and it is advisable to consult a doctor. Self-medication with anti-inflammatories or antibiotics is really not recommended because there is a risk of complications”
2. Shortness of breath
“There may be shortness of breath at the onset of pneumonia which results in difficulty in breathing or breathless“, reports the doctor.
3. Chest pain
“Pneumonia can be characterized by chest pain, which is however not systematic“, describes the pulmonologist. These pains generally increase on inspiration. The pains in the chest are observed particularly when the infectious focus is in contact with the pleura.
4. A cough
“Cough is one of the most characteristic signs of pneumonia. Usually it’s a cough cough up spit“, she underlines.
5. Spitting
Sometimes there may be spitting, which is not a typical sign of pneumonia but may raise suspicion. Again, this is not not systematic.
6. Severe fatigue
“In general, in the case of pneumonia, we observe a great fatigue and a state of general malaise. This sign is common to many diseases and is not specifically characteristic of pneumonia.“, wishes to restore our doctor.
7. Chills
Pneumonia can sometimes be associated with intense chills.
Can pneumonia be silent?
“No. Pneumonia is always symptomatic. Anecdotally, we can read in the scientific literature that pneumonia is like “a clap of thunder in a serene sky“, evokes our interlocutor.
Can you have pneumonia without fever?
Pneumonia without fever can still exist,”but she is not classic“, says Dr. Nocent-Edjnaini.
Who to consult in case of symptoms suggestive of pneumonia?
You should quickly consult your GP if you have a fever, a cough that throws up yellow, green, rusty or blood-tinged mucus, difficulty breathing and if you have muscle, abdominal or chest pain, especially if you are elderly or have a chronic illness (COPD, asthma, etc.). It is also urgent to consult if you have bronchitis that seems to be getting worse. Diagnosis of pneumonia is first suggested by patient history and pulmonary auscultation. It is confirmed by the x-rayshowing opacity (white area of a lung lobe or segment).
Thanks to Dr Cécilia Nocent-Ejnaini, Pneumologist-Allergologist at the Basque Coast Hospital Center in Bayonne, member of the College of Pneumologists of General Hospitals.