World Pneumonia Day 2025: Feeling chilly with fever, is this a sign of pneumonia? Here's how to identify it...

What are the Early Symptoms of Pneumonia? World Pneumonia Day is celebrated every year on November 12th to raise awareness about this potentially life-threatening respiratory infection. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs become inflamed and fill with pus or fluid.

This fluid obstructs the flow of oxygen, causing severe breathing difficulties. The early symptoms of pneumonia often mimic those of a common cold or flu, which often leads to delays in recognizing the disease. In many cases, if not diagnosed early, it can be fatal, especially in young children, the elderly, or those with weakened immunity. However, you can recognize pneumonia by observing certain symptoms. Let's explore four of these key symptoms in this article.

Chills and severe shivering

An important hallmark of pneumonia is a high fever accompanied by severe chills and shivering. A normal fever can cause chills, but in pneumonia, the shivering is so intense that the patient doesn't feel warm even when covered with several blankets. This is a sign of the body's rapid fight against the infection, causing the body temperature to rise.

Chest Pain and Cough with Mucus

The cough in pneumonia is not only dry, but often mucus-laden. The mucus may be yellow, green, or sometimes blood-tinged brown. Additionally, the patient experiences severe chest pain when breathing or coughing. This pain is caused by lung inflammation. If the cough is accompanied by chest tightness and pain, consult a doctor immediately.

Difficulty Breathing and Rapid Breathing

Pneumonia causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill up, making breathing difficult. The patient feels as if they can't breathe enough air. Breathing speeds up. In young children, their nostrils may flare or their chest may sink in when breathing, indicating danger.

Fatigue, Confusion, and Lip Color

A person with pneumonia may feel extremely tired and weak. In the elderly, the infection can cause mental confusion or sudden loss of consciousness. Lack of oxygen can cause the lips and fingernails to turn blue. All of these symptoms indicate a serious infection and require immediate medical attention.

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