- Worsening shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or rapid breathing can be a sign that pneumonia is becoming more serious.
- High fever, chest pain, night sweats, or coughing up phlegm may indicate that symptoms are progressing.
- Hospital care may be needed if pneumonia becomes severe, especially when oxygen therapy or breathing support is required.
Early stage pneumonia symptoms may include dry cough, fever, mild shortness of breath, headache, and weakness. “Early stage pneumonia” is a common phrase used to describe the beginning of the illness, when symptoms first appear.
As pneumonia progresses and the air sacs in the lungs become inflamed, symptoms may become more noticeable. These can include more severe shortness of breath, high fever, and coughing up mucus.
If symptoms suggest early stage pneumonia, it is recommended to see a primary care provider, pediatrician, or pulmonologist. This can help ensure a correct diagnosis and, if needed, appropriate treatment.
Common symptoms
The main symptoms that may indicate early stage pneumonia are:
-
Dry or productive cough
-
Fever
-
Weakness
-
Muscle pain
-
Headache
As pneumonia progresses, other symptoms may develop, such as shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, coughing up phlegm, chest pain, and night sweats.
According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia symptoms can range from very mild to severe enough to require hospitalization.
Is early stage pneumonia a real diagnosis?
Early stage pneumonia is not an official medical term. It is a common phrase used to describe the initial phase of the illness.
Online symptom quiz
To check your risk of having pneumonia, select your symptoms in the test below:
The symptom checker is only a guidance tool. It does not provide a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Confirming a diagnosis
Early stage pneumonia is diagnosed by a primary care provider or pulmonologist through a physical exam and a review of the person’s health history and symptoms.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, a chest X-ray is often used to diagnose pneumonia, while blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) can help determine whether the immune system is fighting an infection.
Other tests may include a sputum test, blood culture, bronchoscopy, or pleural fluid culture.
Possible causes
Pneumonia is inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs, most often caused by an infection with viruses, bacteria, or fungi. These germs may spread through respiratory droplets or, less commonly, come from environmental sources such as soil or contaminated bird droppings.
Pneumonia can also develop when food, liquids, or vomit are accidentally inhaled into the lungs, which is known as aspiration.
Treatment options
Treatment for early stage pneumonia should be guided by a primary care provider, pediatrician, or pulmonologist and may include:
- Medications, such as fever reducers, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, or, in some cases, bronchodilators, depending on the cause of the pneumonia
- Rest, to help the body recover
- A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, healthy fats, and lean protein
- Hydration, with plenty of fluids to help prevent dehydration
Treatment may last about 5 to 10 days. However, if pneumonia progresses and becomes more severe, hospitalization may be necessary. In these cases, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation may be recommended.
Also recommended: Pneumonia Treatment: 8 Treatment Approaches tuasaude.com/en/pneumonia-treatment