Why does pneumonia cause difficulty in breathing

Early symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms : fever, a dry cough, headache, muscle pain, and weakness. Within a day or two, the symptoms typically get worse, with increasing cough, shortness of breath and muscle pain.

There may be a high fever and there may be blueness of the lips. Symptoms may vary in certain populations. Newborns and infants may not show any signs of the infection. Or, they may vomit, have a fever and cough, or appear restless, sick, or tired and without energy. Older adults and people who have serious illnesses or weak immune systems may have fewer and milder symptoms. They may even have a lower than normal temperature. Older adults who have pneumonia sometimes have sudden changes in mental awareness.

For individuals that already have a chronic lung disease, those symptoms may worsen. If you think you or your child has symptoms of pneumonia, don't wait for the disease to get even worse before you seek care. Call your doctor. And see your doctor right away if you have difficulty breathing, develop a bluish color in your lips and fingertips, have chest pain, a high fever, or a cough with mucus that is severe or is getting worse.

It's especially important to get medical attention for pneumonia if you are in a high-risk group, including adults older than age 65, children age two or younger, people with an underlying health condition or weakened immune system.

For some of these vulnerable individuals, pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition. Sometimes pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are so variable, and are often very similar to those seen in a cold or influenza. To diagnose pneumonia, and to try to identify the germ that is causing the illness, your doctor will ask questions about your medical history, do a physical exam, and run some tests. Your doctor will ask you questions about your signs and symptoms, and how and when they began.

To help figure out if your infection is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, you may be asked some questions about possible exposures, such as:. Your doctor will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. If you have pneumonia, your lungs may make crackling, bubbling, and rumbling sounds when you inhale. If your doctor suspects you may have pneumonia, they will probably recommend some tests to confirm the diagnosis and learn more about your infection. These may include:.

If you are considered a high-risk patient because of your age and overall health, or if you are hospitalized, the doctors may want to do some additional tests, including:. Join over , people who receive the latest news about lung health, including COVID, research, air quality, inspiring stories and resources.

Thank you! You will now receive email updates from the American Lung Association. Select your location to view local American Lung Association events and news near you. Our service is free and we are here to help you. Learn About Pneumonia. Section Menu. What Is Pneumonia? What Causes Pneumonia?

What Are the Risk Factors? Medical conditions Chronic lung diseases such as COPD , bronchiectasis , or cystic fibrosis that make the lungs more vulnerable. Other serious chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes and sickle cell disease.

Difficulty swallowing, due to stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, or other neurological conditions, which can result in aspiration of food, vomit or saliva into the lungs that then becomes infected. Recent viral respiratory infection—a cold, laryngitis, influenza , etc. Hospitalization, especially when in intensive care and using a ventilator to breathe.

Pneumonia can affect people of any age, but it's more common, and can be more serious, in certain groups of people, such as the very young or the elderly. People in these groups are more likely to need hospital treatment if they develop pneumonia. A doctor may be able to diagnose pneumonia by asking about your symptoms and examining your chest. Pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because it shares many symptoms with other conditions, such as the common cold , bronchitis and asthma.

A doctor may also take your temperature and listen to your chest and back with a stethoscope to check for any crackling or rattling sounds. They may also listen to your chest by tapping it.

Lungs filled with fluid produce a different sound from normal healthy lungs. If you have mild pneumonia, you probably will not need to have a chest X-ray or any other tests. You may need a chest X-ray or other tests, such as a sputum mucus test or blood tests , if your symptoms have not improved within 48 hours of starting treatment.

If you do not have any other health problems, you should respond well to treatment and soon recover, although your cough may last for some time.