According to Dr. Asmita Mehta, Clinical Professor, Respiratory Medicine, Amrita Hospital, cough with yellow or greenish phlegm (sputum) or sometimes blood is a sign of pneumonia. Other signs include fever with chills, breathing difficulty with or without blue lips or fingertips, chest pain which becomes worse on deep breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Pneumonia in a severe stage can also cause confusion, forgetfulness and mental clouding. A diagnosis of pneumonia is reached on the basis of typical symptomatology, physical examination, some blood tests, sputum examination and a chest X Ray, adds Dr Nangia.
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