Early signs of a lung infection often mimic a cold or flu but last longer, including a persistent cough (with or without mucus/phlegm), fatigue, fever, chills, chest pain when breathing or coughing, and shortness of breath, sometimes accompanied by wheezing or body aches. Recognizing these signs early, like increased tiredness or a cough that won't quit, is crucial, especially if they worsen or you're in a high-risk group, warranting prompt medical attention.

What does the beginning of a lung infection feel like?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames your lungs' air sacs (alveoli). The air sacs may fill up with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as a cough, fever, chills and trouble breathing.

Can pneumonia cause diarrhea?

Yes, pneumonia can cause diarrhea, as gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are listed as common symptoms, especially with certain types like atypical pneumonia (often from Legionella) or in younger children, alongside respiratory symptoms like cough and fever.
 

What is a common lung infection in children?

Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in young children and infants. It causes swelling and irritation and a buildup of mucus in the small airways of the lung. These small airways are called bronchioles. Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus.

What can a lung infection turn into?

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by an infection.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

What are the first warning signs of pneumonia in children?

Kids with bacterial pneumonia usually get sick quickly and have a high fever, cough, rapid breathing and maybe even chest pain with breathing. Viral pneumonia symptoms tend to appear more slowly and may be less severe, though you can see fever and cough from viruses too. Wheezing is more common in viral pneumonia.

Will an ultrasound show pneumonia?

Lung ultrasound can detect more pneumonia (12–25%) than X-rays, as confirmed by chest CT [6,44]. Lung ultrasound displays a sensitivity of 93.4% and specificity of 97.7% for the diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia [6,44].

When to go to the ER for pneumonia?

Pneumonia causes inflammation in the lungs, making it hard for oxygen to reach your bloodstream. If you're experiencing shortness of breath or rapid breathing, don't hesitate to visit the emergency room. Immediate evaluation is crucial to prevent complications and ensure you receive urgent medical care.

Where does it hurt when you have pneumonia?

Pneumonia pain is typically felt as sharp, stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing, often due to inflammation of the lung lining (pleura). This discomfort can also spread to your back, shoulders, neck, or abdomen due to nerve connections and muscle strain from coughing, with pain often located in the area of the infected lung lobe. 

What is the new respiratory virus in 2025?

CDC first identified Subclade K in the United States in August 2025, and as of December 19, approximately 90% of influenza A(H3N2) viruses that CDC has genetically characterized from U.S. samples collected since September 28 were identified as subclade K.

Can pneumonia affect your eyes?

Pneumonia can lead to eye issues due to several factors, including the spread of infection, medications, and overall weakening of the immune system.

How do you tell if you're getting a lung infection?

Lung infection symptoms

Chest pain when breathing deeply or coughing. Mucus (phlegm) that is greenish, yellow, or bloody. Fever, chills, and sweating. Fatigue and weakness.

Which test confirms pneumonia?

A chest X-ray is often used to diagnose pneumonia. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) see whether your immune system is fighting an infection. Pulse oximetry measures how much oxygen is in your blood.

Can a doctor hear if you have pneumonia?

They may also listen to your chest by tapping it. Lungs filled with fluid produce a different sound from normal healthy lungs. If you have mild pneumonia, you may need a chest X-ray and some blood tests.

What is the best scan for lung problems?

The only recommended screening test for lung cancer is low-dose computed tomography (also called a low-dose CT scan, or LDCT). Lung cancer screening is recommended only for adults who are at high risk for developing the disease because of their smoking history and age.

Are night sweats part of pneumonia?

High Fever and Persistent Chills

Severe Chills: Shaking or shivering intensely, even when bundled up, indicates your body is battling hard against the infection. Night Sweats: Waking up with soaked sheets from sweating can be a symptom of worsening pneumonia.

Where is the back pain with pneumonia?

Pneumonia back pain manifests as unilateral sharp, stabbing discomfort or dull ache between the shoulder blades or mid back, worsening with breathing, coughing, and movement as the infected lung's inflamed pleura rubs against the chest wall.

Can I have pneumonia without a fever?

Can You Have Pneumonia Without a Fever? Yes, you can have pneumonia without a fever or cough. In elderly people, symptoms may be subtle, such as having chills but no fever or struggling to bring up phlegm.

What not to do when you have pneumonia?

One of the most important things to avoid when recovering from pneumonia is engaging in strenuous activities or exercise. Your body needs energy to fight the infection, and overexerting yourself can lead to increased fatigue and prolonged recovery.

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