Different types of pneumonia strike different people. Some tend to occur when folks are in the hospital for something else. This is known as “hospital-acquired pneumonia” or “healthcare-associated pneumonia.” When food, liquid, saliva, or vomit makes its way into the lungs, it’s called “aspiration pneumonia.” The most common type is community-acquired pneumonia, also called walking pneumonia, because it’s a milder type of infection.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of pneumonia. If you’ve been troubled by any of these, go get checked out!

1. Cough 

A dry cough or a chesty, sputum-producing cough can occur depending on the type of pneumonia and other factors.

People suffering from typical bacterial pneumonia will frequently have a phlegmy cough. Their mucus is dirtier, thicker, and more unsightly. In contrast, viral pneumonia often (but not always) produces less phlegm, and people with compromised immune systems may not produce any at all.

2. Fever 

A high body temperature is frequently linked to bacterial and viral pneumonia. The absence of a fever, however, does not rule out pneumonia. A low temperature, known as hypothermia, may also be a sign of bacterial pneumonia, and pneumonia can be contracted while having a normal temperature.

3. Shivering 

Teeth-chattering chills could be a sign of pneumonia—and we're not talking about the goosebumps that come with a drop in temperature. Chills caused by pneumonia usually appear quickly and can be quite severe. This type of shivering is usually accompanied by fever and may indicate bacterial growth in the bloodstream.

4. Shortness of breath

You may have difficulty breathing if you have pneumonia. To compensate, you may increase your breathing rate, which can leave you feeling out of breath.

If your lung function is impaired by the infection, you may not be able to deliver enough oxygen to your blood. Some people with pneumonia require supplemental oxygen or treatments to help them breathe. In severe cases, a tube may be inserted into the person's airway to assist breathing.

A child suffering from pneumonia who is not getting enough oxygen may develop bluish lips or fingernails. If you notice this in your children, contact your doctor right away.

5. Chest pain 

Doctors say that labored breathing or coughing can exhaust the muscles, making it painful to breathe or cough. You could also have pneumonia-related chest pain because your lungs are infected.

However, if you're experiencing severe chest pain, it could be caused by the inflammatory effects of pneumonia throughout the body. There are some cases where pneumonia can result in a heart attack. If you have sudden chest pain and other symptoms of a heart attack, call your doctor or 911.

6. Clammy or sweaty skin 

When your body is attempting to fight off an infection, such as pneumonia, you may experience excessive sweating or skin that feels clammy to the touch.

Take this symptom seriously because it could be a sign of sepsis, a potentially fatal complication of pneumonia caused by bacteria in the blood.

7. Dizziness or confusion 

When pneumonia progresses to sepsis, the body's own immune system begins to malfunction. Blood pressure drops, urine output decreases, and even mental capacity can be impacted. You may feel dizzy or confused, which is an indication that you require immediate hospital care! These are extremely concerning signs that pneumonia has gotten out of hand.

8. Nonspecific symptoms 

Infants, toddlers, and young children with pneumonia may have a fever, chills, or labored breathing, just like adults.

However, keep an eye out for less specific symptoms as well. Infants, for example, may feed poorly and become dehydrated. Children may experience a loss of appetite. Children, especially babies and toddlers, will cry more than usual. Your child will not be overjoyed. Pneumonia in children can also cause abdominal pain and vomiting.