What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

The symptoms of pneumonia can occur suddenly between 24 to 48 hours, or slowly over the period of several days (1), (2). 

 

Most common symptoms of pneumonia include:​

  • a cough which may be dry, or produce thick yellow, green,
    brown or blood-stained mucus (phlegm) 

  • difficulty breathing or getting out of breath quicker than normal

  • rapid heartbeat 

  • fever 

  • feeling unwell 

  • sweating and shivering 

  • loss of appetite 

  • chest pain 

Less common symptoms include:

  • coughing up blood

  • headaches

  • fatigue 

  • nausea or vomiting 

  • wheezing 

  • joint and muscle pain 

  • feeling confused and disorientated, particularly in elderly people 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1) NHS.uk. (2016). Pneumonia - NHS Choices. [online] Available here: [Accessed 30 Mar. 2017].

(2) British Lung Foundation. (2016). Symptoms of pneumonia. [online] Available here:  [Accessed 30 Mar. 2017].