Major Symptoms Of Pneumonia

Shortness Of Breath

As mentioned previously, pleuritic chest pain is one of the most common symptoms associated with pneumonia. Another incredibly common sign is shortness of breath, as the two often coincide. This is because chest pain that worsens upon breathing makes it harder for the affected individual to breathe, often meaning they cannot catch a full breath and thus, are unable to take in sufficient air for their body's needs.

Patients with other lung conditions, such as asthma or emphysema, are the most at risk for experiencing shortness of breath if they contract pneumonia. Their shortness of breath is also often worse than those who do not have a chronic lung condition. Individuals dealing with prolonged shortness of breath should seek professional medical attention as soon as they can.