To know if you have pneumonia, look for these symptoms:

• A cough that may produce greenish, yellow, or bloody mucus
• Fever, sweating, and chills
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Fatigue, loss of appetite, and low energy
• Nausea or vomiting (especially in children)
• Confusion or changes in mental state (more common in older adults)
• Lips or nailbeds turning bluish from low oxygen levels

Pneumonia symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear suddenly or gradually. Sometimes it can be mistaken for a cold or the flu because initial signs like cough, fever, and fatigue overlap. If you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, high fever, or bluish lips, seek medical attention immediately. Diagnosis typically involves a healthcare provider asking about your symptoms, listening to your lungs with a stethoscope, and may include tests like a chest X-ray, blood tests, and sputum analysis to confirm the infection and its cause. If any of these symptoms are present and concerning, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment as pneumonia can be serious, especially in older adults, young children, or those with weakened immune systems.