When Can Cough Turn Into Pneumonia?

If you have been coughing for a while and your cough is getting worse instead of getting better, chances are it’s more than just a cough. The situation worsens when you also start coughing up phlegm or experience chest pain when you cough. These are the signs that you might have pneumonia. 

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that causes air sacs in your lungs to fill up with pus or fluid. This restricts the smooth flow of oxygen to your bloodstream, making it difficult for you to breathe. Although anyone can get this infection, infants and people over 65 years of age are a higher risk. Pneumonia can affect one or both the lungs. Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol raise one’s chances of acquiring pneumonia infection. Knowing pneumonia symptoms and visiting the doctor on time can prevent the situation from converting into a life-threatening one. 

Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia

Depending on the type of pneumonia you have, symptoms and the severity might vary. 

This is the most common type of pneumonia with noticeable symptoms which include.

•Chills

Also known as ‘walking pneumonia’, this is a mild lung infection caused by the mycoplasma pneumonia bacteria. The symptoms include-

•Low-grade fever

Viruses such as flu virus or RSV are the most common types of viruses that can lead to pneumonia. These viruses are resistant to antibiotics and treatment is mandatory. Symptoms are similar to bacterial pneumonia but might also include headaches, reduced appetite, and extreme fatigue. 

A doctor must be consulted immediately if you have difficulty breathing, persistent fever that stays 102 F or higher, chest pain or persistent cough with mucus or pus. Although pneumonia can affect anyone, it is considered more dangerous for children below 2 years of age, adults above 65 years of age, individuals with weakened immune systems, those undergoing chemotherapy and individuals with chronic lung problems. 

If you have been diagnosed with pneumonia, the treatment must begin immediately. While most cases can be treated at home, hospitalization might be required if your symptoms are severe or your condition is getting worse. Pneumonia treatment includes:

•Antibiotics for targeting and treating bacterial infections. More than one type of antibiotic might be prescribed depending on the condition.

Remember the earlier you act, the better are your chances of recovery.

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