Other conditions with symptoms similar to pneumonia
Conditions that have symptoms similar to pneumonia include:
- Pleurisy, an inflammation of the membrane (pleura
) covering the lungs and lining the chest cavity. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, and fever.
- Influenza, a viral infection affecting the respiratory system
- Bronchitis, which is inflammation
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is difficulty breathing caused by chronic bronchitis
- Pulmonary embolus, a sudden blockage of blood flow within the lung. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a rapid heartbeat.
- Tuberculosis, a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It can cause fatigue and a cough.
- Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, an illness caused by a virus found in the saliva, urine, and droppings of some rodents. Symptoms include fever and fatigue.
- Lung cancer, especially in someone with a history of smoking. Symptoms include cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Heart failure, which is the heart not pumping like it should. Symptoms include shortness of breath and fatigue.
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a virus that causes symptoms of cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
| Author: | Ralph Poore | Last Updated: April 2, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology | |
 | ||
| |