From the Guidelines
Yes, night sweats can be a symptom of pneumonia, in addition to cough and chest pain [ 1 ]. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is recommended that you seek medical attention promptly.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
- Cough
- Dyspnea
- Pleural pain
- Sweating, fevers, or shivers
- Aches and pains
- Temperature ≥ 38C
- Tachypnea
- New and localizing chest examination signs A healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics such as azithromycin 500mg once daily for 5 days or amoxicillin-clavulanate 875mg/125mg twice daily for 7-10 days, depending on the severity and cause of the pneumonia [ 1 ]. Additionally, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen 650mg every 4-6 hours or ibuprofen 400mg every 4-6 hours can help alleviate fever, headache, and body aches [ 1 ]. However, it is essential to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, as pneumonia can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition if left untreated [ 1 ].
Diagnostic Approach
The diagnostic approach for pneumonia typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Chest radiography is often used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease [ 1 ]. The measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels can also help strengthen the diagnosis and exclusion of pneumonia [ 1 ].
Treatment Approach
The treatment approach for pneumonia depends on the severity and cause of the disease. Empiric antibiotics may be prescribed according to local and national guidelines when pneumonia is suspected in settings where imaging cannot be performed [ 1 ]. However, routine microbiological testing is not recommended unless the results may change the treatment plan [ 1 ]. Antiviral treatment may be considered for patients with suspected influenza, and symptomatic therapies may be used to alleviate symptoms [ 1 ].
From the Research
Symptoms of Pneumonia
- Cough and chest pain are common symptoms of pneumonia 2
- Fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite are also typical presenting symptoms of pneumonia 2
Night Sweats as a Symptom
- Night sweats can be a symptom of various conditions, including infections, malignancies, and sleeping disorders 3, 4
- A 50-year-old male with pneumonia presented with night sweats, in addition to fever, cough, dyspnoea, chest pain, and weight loss 5
- Night sweats are not typically listed as a primary symptom of pneumonia, but can occur in conjunction with other symptoms 2
Diagnostic Considerations
- A thorough history, physical examination, and directed laboratory and radiographic studies can help exclude serious causes of night sweats 3
- Diagnostic clues, such as the presence of fever, can help guide the evaluation of night sweats 4
- A screening for infections, sleeping disorders, and a medication review are important considerations in the evaluation of night sweats 4