Is Your Cough a Sign of Pneumonia? Learn the Symptoms and When to See a Doctor

It can be easy to shrug off a cough, especially during cold and flu season. Butwhen it’s accompanied by other respiratory symptoms and becomes increasingly severe or long lasting, it could signal a more serious health condition such as pneumonia. Knowing how to spot symptoms of pneumonia early on can help you get the right treatment to speed recovery. Here’s what to look for.

What is pneumonia and how does it develop?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs to fill with inflammatory fluid and/or pus, making it hard to breathe, explains Raj Dasgupta, MD , ABIM quadruple board-certified physician and medical reviewer for the National Council on Aging.

There are different types of pneumonia, Dr. Dasgupta explains, and the main variations are:

• Bacterial pneumonia, which is the most common and often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Viral pneumonia, usually linked to the flu or other viruses
• Fungal pneumonia, which is more common in people with weak immune systems

Aside from the contagious forms of pneumonia, there’s also aspiration pneumonia, which happens when food or liquid gets into the lungs, he notes.

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How pneumonia is spread

Many forms of pneumonia are contagious, and the types that are secondary to infection are mainly spread when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. This sends respiratory droplets into the air which can be inhaled by those nearby, explains Dr. Dasgupta. A less common but potential cause of transmission: touching an object or surface that has the germ on it and then touching your nose or mouth.

Symptoms of pneumonia in adults: What to watch for

Symptoms of pneumonia can vary from mild to severe and often overlap with other conditions, says Dr. Dasgupta.

He says the most common symptoms of pneumonia include:

• A bad cough
• Fever
• Chills
• Shortness of breath

Sneakier symptoms of pneumonia can also be present. This includes fatigue, confusion (especially in older adults) or chest pain.

Specifically in a case of bacterial pneumonia, this tends to be a productive cough with yellow or green phlegm, says Robert Biernbaum, DO , Chief Medical Officer at WellNow Urgent Care. Body aches may also be a pneumonia symptom, he adds.

“If you're trying to figure out if you have a cold, flu or pneumonia, watch for things like a high fever that sticks around, a cough that brings up colored or bloody mucus and serious trouble catching your breath, which are red flags for a more severe pneumonia,” advises Dr. Dasgupta.

How pneumonia is diagnosed

While there are common symptoms of pneumonia, most times, a person won’t exhibit a clear-cut, definite diagnosis of infection, says Gregory Eisinger, MD , Pulmonary, Critical Care and Emergency Medicine specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

A physical exam may reveal crackles when listening to the lungs, as well as elevated heart rate, respiratory rate or low oxygen saturation which may indicate pneumonia, says Dr. Eisinger. A chest x-ray typically reveals an area of abnormal whiteness confined to a specific region of the lung, he adds.

Is pneumonia dangerous?

In certain cases, pneumonia can lead to further health complications and even be life-threatening. The severity of pneumonia depends on the type of infection, your age and your overall health, says Dr. Dasgupta. Older adults and people with other health issues may be at higher risk and should see a doctor if they suspect pneumonia.

Pneumonia can be mild enough to recover from at home within a few days or weeks. Or it can be serious enough to require hospitalization if it causes trouble breathing, sepsis or fluid around the lungs, he explains.

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You should seek medical attention if your symptoms get worse, you have a hard time breathing, feel persistent chest pain, have a high fever, feel confused or if your symptoms aren’t improving after a few days, suggests Dr. Dasgupta. This is especially true if you are being treated with antibiotics and still not feeling better.

Tip: If you’re 65 or older or have underlying health conditions, ask your doctor about a pneumococcal vaccination to help protect against future infections.

How to treat pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that can’t be treated at home without medical intervention. After diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for a bacterial infection and anti-fungal medication for fungal infection, explains Dr. Biernbaum.

If you have pneumonia, it's important to stick to your treatment plan and stay in contact with your doctor about any concerns. That said, there are some things you can do at home to feel better, offers Dr. Dasgupta.

“Drink lots of fluids like water and herbal tea to stay hydrated, and make sure you’re getting plenty of rest,” he says. “Using a humidifier can help with breathing, and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease any fever or aches. Eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can also give your immune system a boost.”

Keep reading for tips to stay healthy this sick season

Experts Reveal the Best Foods to Eat When Sick—For Cold, Cough and More

The Best Immune-Boosting Foods to Help You Sail through Cold and Flu Season

Our Ultimate Guide to the 2024 Flu Shot: What MDs Want You to Know

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .