From the Guidelines
Pneumonia symptoms include cough, dyspnea, pleural pain, sweating/fevers/shivers, aches and pains, temperature 38C or greater, tachypnea, and new and localizing chest examination signs, as suggested by the most recent and highest quality study 1. These symptoms can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening, depending on factors like age, overall health, and the type of organism causing the infection.
- Bacterial pneumonia often develops quickly with high fever and severe chest pain, while viral pneumonia may begin with flu-like symptoms that gradually worsen.
- Pneumonia in older adults might present atypically with confusion and fewer respiratory symptoms.
- If you experience persistent fever over 102°F, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or worsening symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. The diagnosis of pneumonia is confirmed by using chest radiographs, and the measurement of C-reactive protein levels strengthens both the diagnosis and exclusion of pneumonia, as noted in the study by van Vugt 1. In contrast, the measurement of procalcitonin concentrations added no relevant additional diagnostic information over symptoms and signs, as stated in the study 1. The use of empiric antibiotics according to local and national guidelines is suggested when pneumonia is suspected in settings in which imaging cannot be performed, as recommended by the expert panel report 1. However, where there is no clinical or radiographic evidence of pneumonia, the routine use of antibiotics is not suggested, as stated in the guideline 1. Pneumonia treatment depends on the cause but often includes antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medications, as noted in the study 1.
From the Research
Symptoms of Pneumonia
The symptoms of pneumonia are typically cough, pleuritic chest pain, fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite 2. However, children and the elderly may have different presenting features, which can include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Absence of one or more of the prototypical symptoms 2
Clinical Factors Contributing to Suspicion of Pneumonia
Clinical factors that contribute to the clinician suspicion of pneumonia include:
- Advanced patient age
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Tachycardia
- Rales
- Rhonchi 3
Diagnosis and Treatment
Pneumonia can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies such as chest X-rays 3. The treatment of pneumonia typically involves the use of antibiotics, with the choice of antibiotic depending on the suspected or confirmed causative pathogen and its antibiotic susceptibility profile 4, 5, 6.