Do you cough?
Do you cough up greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus?
Do you have fever (high fever up to 105 F), sweating and shaking chills with increased pulse rate?
Do you have shortness of breath while doing normal activities or resting (the frightening sensation of being unable to breathe normally)?
Do you have rapidly increased, shallow breathing?
Do you have sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough?
Do you have poor appetite?
Do you feel weak, extremely tired with no energy at all?
Do you have nausea and vomiting?
Do you have a bluish color on your lips or nail beds?
If you are over 65 do you feel confused or delirious?
Based on your answers, it is unlikely that you have pneumonia. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the air sacs in your lungs called alveoli, caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is important to know that in some people a viral or bacterial infection can lead to a more serious condition, such as bronchitis. If left untreated, bronchitis can develop into pneumonia. Your symptoms indicate some type of infection, so please consult your doctor. Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications.
Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have pneumonia. Pneumonia is an inflammation of the air sacs in your lung (alveoli). The air sacs may fill up with fluid or pus due to germ infection (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) making it difficult to breathe. Pneumonia and its symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect one or both lungs. In severe cases of pneumonia hospitalization is required. How you respond to treatment will depend on your age and overall health. Nowadays, there are several vaccines that can help prevent pneumonia, so please talk to your doctor about vaccination as well.
• American Lung Association. (2019). Pneumonia.
lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Pneumonia.
cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/pneumonia.htm
• Mayo Clinic, Pneumonia
ttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pneumonia/symptoms-causes/syc-20354204
jelena mihajlovic
Hi! I’m Jelena Radovanovic. After earning my Phd in General Medicine from the Medical University of Nis, I began a career as a physician in order to pursue my passion for medical science and help treat the people around me. I joined the Medical Center in Nis in 2010 where I gained practical knowledge in real-time situations. In addition to my primary job as a General Practitioner, I’ve worked with nonprofits to help underprivileged patients by providing them with information, services, and assistance.
You can find me on Upwork at: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/~01d0ef3a1f3aa93918
