Most people who catch coronavirus endure a mild or moderate reaction, especially with the protection provided by Covid vaccinations and boosters. However, hospital admissions are increasing. The latest Government data revealed that there have been 1,055 hospital admissions on November 2; this was an increase of three percent since the week prior. Those with coronavirus still need to be wary of health complications, such as pneumonia.
Pneumonia causes the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid and pus and, eventually, it may become harder to breathe.
If your Covid infection starts to cause pneumonia, you may notice that you have a rapid heartbeat, WebMD noted.
Another possible indication of the Covid complication is shortness of breath or breathlessness.
The viral infection may also lead to bouts of rapid breathing, dizziness, and heavy sweating.
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Five signs of pneumonia
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath or breathlessness
- Rapid breathing
- Dizziness
- Heavy sweating.
According to the health site, around 15 percent of Covid cases are severe with around five percent requiring a ventilator to help them breathe.
Coronavirus can cause “severe inflammation” in the lungs as it damages the cells and tissues that line the air sacs.
“These sacs are where the oxygen you breathe is processed and delivered to your blood,” WebMD added.
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“The damage causes tissue to break off and clog your lungs. The walls of the sacs can thicken, making it very hard for you to breathe.”
Pneumonia might require hospital admission so the patient can be treated with oxygen and intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.
The NHS listed additional symptoms to look out for, including:
- A cough
- High temperature
- Feeling generally unwell
- Shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain, which gets worse when coughing or breathing.
Furthermore, the cough can be dry, or it can produce thick yellow, green, brown, or blood-stained mucus.
Less common symptoms can include:
- Coughing up blood
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Wheezing
- Joint and muscle pain
Feeling confused and disorientated, particularly in elderly people.
The NHS advises anybody concerned about their Covid infection turning into pneumonia to use the free NHS 111 online service.
“Only call 111 if you cannot get help online or you need help for a child under five,” the NHS stated.
However, it’s time to call 999 for an ambulance if any of the following apply to you, or someone you can see, such as:
- Struggling to breathe
- Coughing up blood
- Have blue lips or a blue face
- Feel cold and sweaty, with pale or blotchy skin
- Have a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
- Collapse or faint
- Become confused or very drowsy
- Have stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual.
“Pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because it shares many symptoms with other conditions, such as the common cold, bronchitis and asthma,” the NHS added.
A medical professional may discuss your symptoms and do numerous tests to make a diagnosis of pneumonia.
Mild pneumonia can be treated at home, with plenty of rest and drinking plenty of fluids.
“If you do not have any other health problems, you should respond well to treatment and soon recover,” the NHS said.