Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung tissue. It is usually due to infection. Pneumonia tends to be more serious than bronchitis. Bronchitis is an inflammation or infection of the large airways. Sometimes bronchitis and pneumonia occur together which is called bronchopneumonia.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Difficulty breathing (breaths are rapid and shallow)
• A cough that brings up phlegm (thick mucus)
• Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• High temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
• Chest pain

Less common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Coughing up blood
• Headaches
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Joint and muscle pain
• A blue tinge to the skin (cyanosis)
• Sometimes, elderly people with pneumonia may become confused and disorientated.