Pneumonia Symptoms

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Symptoms often include cough with phlegm, fever, chills, chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing, and shortness of breath. Older adults and people with weakened immunity may present with confusion or lower than normal body temperature instead of typical symptoms.

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria (most commonly Streptococcus pneumoniae), viruses (such as influenza or COVID-19), or fungi. Risk factors include being very young or over 65, smoking, chronic lung disease (asthma or COPD), weakened immune system, and recent hospitalization or mechanical ventilation.

See a doctor urgently for high fever, chest pain, breathing difficulty, confusion, or coughing up blood. Pneumonia can become severe quickly, especially in infants, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions.