Common signs and symptoms of pneumonia are shortness of breath, cough with or without mucus, chest pain, low blood oxygen levels, fever, chills, and fatigue. There may also be audible signs of fluid in the lungs, which a clinician can hear with a stethoscope. The severity of these signs and symptoms varies, ranging from mild respiratory distress to septic shock (characterized by a dangerous drop in blood pressure).
Certain populations have a different presentation of pneumonia. Younger children (<5 years) may be restless, vomit, have trouble eating, and show signs of breathing difficulties (e.g., nasal flaring, grunting, and chest retractions).[1][2] In older adults (>65 years), signs and symptoms may be less noticeable and could include disorientation or delirium.[3][4]