Signs of pneumonia: Recognize symptoms early

Table of contents

• Signs of pneumonia – what should you watch out for?
• Typical symptoms of pneumonia
• Pneumonia and COVID-19 – a particular challenge
• Probiotics and the immune system
• Long-term strengthening of the immune system – especially for at-risk groups

Signs of pneumonia – what should you watch out for?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs in which the air sacs (alveoli) become inflamed and fill with fluid or pus. This can significantly impair oxygen uptake and lead to shortness of breath. While the disease is treatable in mild cases, it can be life-threatening—especially for older people, people with chronic illnesses, or those with a weakened immune system.

Pneumonia can develop gradually or occur suddenly. Symptoms vary depending on the pathogen and individual risk factors. Recognizing the first signs early is crucial to avoid complications and initiate targeted treatment.

Typical symptoms of pneumonia

1. Cough – dry at first, later with sputum

At the beginning, pneumonia often presents with a dry, irritating cough. As the disease progresses, mucous sputum may develop that can be yellowish, greenish, or even bloody.

2. Fever and chills

A sudden high fever is a common sign, often accompanied by severe chills. Body temperature can rise quickly, indicating that the immune system is fighting the infection.

3. Shortness of breath and breathlessness

Those affected often feel short of breath, especially during physical exertion. In severe cases, breathing may become difficult even at rest because inflamed areas of the lungs impair gas exchange.

4. Chest pain

Another warning sign is sharp chest pain that worsens when coughing or taking a deep breath. This is caused by inflammation of lung tissue or the pleura (lining of the lungs).

5. General feeling of illness and weakness

In addition to specific symptoms, many people suffer from fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. Especially older people or immunocompromised individuals may also show confusion or disorientation as early signs.

Pneumonia and COVID-19 – a particular challenge

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been increased focus on respiratory diseases and their possible complications. The SARS-CoV-2 virus can directly attack the lungs and trigger viral pneumonia. Older people, individuals with pre-existing conditions, or those with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk.

➡ Important: Pneumonia caused by COVID-19 often differs from bacterial pneumonia. While bacterial infections can usually be treated with antibiotics, viral pneumonia requires a different type of therapy.

Early recognition and timely treatment

If you notice several of these symptoms in yourself or your relatives, you should not hesitate to seek medical advice. Pneumonia can—especially in high-risk patients—have serious consequences, but with early diagnosis it is usually treatable. Stay alert, protect your airways, and pay attention to your immune system—especially during the cold season!

Pneumonia and COVID-19 – risks, differences, and long-term effects

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness of respiratory diseases and their possible complications, especially pneumonia. The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 can directly infect the lungs and trigger viral pneumonia. This form of pneumonia differs in its course from bacterial pneumonia and poses particular challenges for affected individuals and healthcare systems. The differences between viral and bacterial pneumonia:

1. Viral pneumonia (e.g., caused by COVID-19)

Pneumonia caused by viruses, such as can occur with COVID-19, often develops gradually. Typical symptoms include:

✔ Dry cough with little sputum
✔ Fever and a general feeling of illness
✔ Shortness of breath that may gradually worsen
✔ Fatigue and exhaustion

Because mucus in the lungs often remains thick in viral pneumonia, inflammation can be more difficult to clear. A particular problem is that this form of pneumonia is often not recognized immediately, so early diagnostics—such as a chest CT scan—can be crucial to prevent severe complications.

2. Bacterial pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia usually occurs suddenly and with significantly more intense symptoms:

• Sudden onset with high fever and chills
• Productive cough with yellowish or greenish sputum
• Sharp chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
• Severe shortness of breath and a markedly reduced general condition

Bacterial pneumonia can usually be treated well with antibiotics, while viral pneumonia must primarily be managed with symptomatic therapy.

A particular challenge with COVID-19

Many affected individuals develop atypical pneumonia that does not immediately stand out through classic symptoms. Especially dangerous is that COVID-19 can cause silent hypoxia in some patients—an unnoticed drop in blood oxygen saturation that only becomes apparent at a late stage.

Risk of renewed pneumonia with Long COVID

Some patients continue to experience Long COVID even after the acute infection has resolved—a syndrome with long-lasting symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and chronic cough. These symptoms indicate that lung function may remain impaired and the risk of another pneumonia increases.

How Long COVID affects the lungs

Studies show that many Long COVID patients develop persistent inflammation or even scarring (pulmonary fibrosis) in the lungs. This can lead to the following problems:

• Reduced oxygen uptake – affected individuals often feel exhausted quickly.
• Persistent cough and chest pain – inflammatory processes in the lungs continue.
• Increased risk of bacterial superinfections – weakened lung tissue is more susceptible to renewed infections.

People with pre-existing conditions, a weakened immune system, or existing lung damage are particularly at risk. Therefore, Long COVID patients should be closely monitored by doctors to detect early signs of renewed pneumonia as soon as possible.

The role of probiotics in therapy and prevention

Probiotics—live microorganisms with health-promoting properties—are gaining increasing importance in the therapy of respiratory diseases. Their effect is based on supporting the immune system and regulating the microbiome, both in the gut and in the respiratory tract.

Probiotics and the immune system

A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for a strong immune system. About 70% of immune cells are located in the gut, and probiotics can:

• Promote the production of anti-inflammatory molecules.
• Strengthen defenses against infections, including pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a serious disease that poses a high risk, especially for older people, immunocompromised individuals, and Long COVID patients. However, in addition to medical treatments, there are further supportive measures to strengthen the immune system and promote the healing process.

Probiotics can play a valuable role here—both in prevention, during treatment, and in long-term recovery.

Probiotics for prevention: how to protect your lungs

A healthy gut flora is essential for a strong immune system. More than 70% of immune cells are located in the gut, which is why regular intake of probiotics can reduce the risk of respiratory infections.

• Strengthening the immune system: Probiotic bacteria regulate the immune system and help fend off pathogens.
• Protection against infections: Studies show that certain probiotic strains can reduce the frequency and severity of respiratory infections.
• Support for mucous membranes: A healthy gut flora also influences the mucous membranes in the lungs and contributes to their protection.

Especially during the cold season or with a weakened immune system, it can be worthwhile to start probiotic support early.

Support during and after pneumonia

If an infection has already occurred, probiotics can be helpful in various ways:

1. Restoring the gut flora after antibiotics

Antibiotics are often necessary to treat bacterial pneumonia. However, they destroy not only pathogenic germs but also important beneficial gut bacteria. This can lead to digestive problems, diarrhea, and a weakened immune system. Probiotics help rebalance the gut flora and reduce side effects.

2. Supporting the respiratory tract

A healthy microbiome also contributes to lung regeneration. Some probiotics can have anti-inflammatory effects and strengthen the mucous membranes of the airways.

Long-term strengthening of the immune system – especially for at-risk groups

For older people, chronically ill individuals, and Long COVID patients, it is particularly important to strengthen the immune system continuously in order to avoid recurring infections. Probiotics help in the long term by:

• Stabilizing immune defenses
• Regulating inflammatory reactions in the body
• Making the body more resilient to infections

Especially Long COVID patients who struggle with persistent shortness of breath, cough, or weakened lung function can benefit from a holistic approach that includes probiotics.

Early detection of pneumonia – what you should watch out for

The earlier pneumonia is detected, the better it can be treated. People with Long COVID or chronic pre-existing conditions should seek medical advice at the first signs.

Important diagnostic measures:

• Physical examination – the doctor can detect typical sounds such as crackles or rattling by listening to the lungs.
• Imaging – an X-ray or CT scan of the lungs helps diagnose pneumonia reliably.
• Laboratory tests – blood tests (e.g., CRP value) and an analysis of sputum can identify the pathogen.
• Note: Long COVID patients in particular should see a doctor early if they have persistent shortness of breath or cough, as damaged lung tissue is more susceptible to infections.

Prevention: how to protect yourself from pneumonia

In addition to medical treatment, there are many ways to strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of pneumonia.

• Vaccinations – vaccines against pneumococci and influenza significantly reduce risk.
• Healthy diet – plenty of fresh vegetables, vitamins, and antioxidants strengthen the immune system.
• Exercise & fresh air – walks and sports improve lung function and circulation.
• Probiotic preparations – regular intake of high-quality probiotics supports immune defenses.
• Breathing exercises – especially helpful for Long COVID patients to improve lung function.
  Quit smoking – smoking damages the lungs and makes them more susceptible to infections.

Recognizing the first symptoms of pneumonia in time is crucial to avoid severe courses. Especially in connection with COVID-19 and Long COVID, caution is advised, as weakened lungs are more susceptible to infections. Stay attentive to your body’s signals.

Strengthen the immune system with HLH BioPharma

The cold season brings not only coziness and warm drinks, but unfortunately also increased susceptibility to colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Especially at this time, a strong immune system is crucial to stay healthy and full of energy. With high-quality probiotics and dietary supplements from HLH BioPharma, you can support your immune system in a targeted way. In particular, choose the following products:

• Gut rebuilding package
• Casa Sana INTESTINAL CLEANSING,
• Lactobact PREMIUM,
• Casa Sana MAXIAMIN,
• Lactobact INTENSE as well as
• Casa Sana CELL PROTECTION.

In addition, explore various other products in the following health areas:

• Children’s health.
• Gut health,
• Oral health and
• Allergies.

Especially if you belong to an at-risk group or suffer from Long COVID, an early medical diagnosis of pneumonia and targeted support with probiotics can make a decisive contribution to your recovery!