DOCTOR EXPLAINED HOW TO DISTINGUISH A COLD FROM A DANGEROUS DISEASE

Russian therapist, candidate of medical sciences Oksana Serebryakova revealed key differences between a common cold and pneumonia, emphasizing the importance of timely detection of the dangerous disease.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to "Lenta.ru", the specialist explained the characteristic course of a cold with its gradual development. The illness usually begins with a runny nose and sore throat, later dry cough, general weakness, and temperature rising to about 38 °C are added. The most pronounced symptoms are observed during the first two to three days, and after five to seven days, patients note a significant improvement in well-being.

Pneumonia, unlike ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection), has a sudden onset and progresses much more severely. Serebryakova noted that the temperature often rises above 39 °C, cough becomes wet with purulent sputum, shortness of breath appears even at rest, chest pain occurs when breathing, and pronounced intoxication manifests as chills, sweating, and severe weakness.

The medical expert also warned about the peculiarities of pneumonia in elderly and weakened patients, in whom the disease may progress atypically: without a pronounced temperature rise, but with the development of shortness of breath or confusion. This condition, known as "masked" pneumonia, requires increased attention from medical workers.

The therapist emphasized the danger of untimely treatment of pneumonia, which significantly increases the likelihood of serious complications, including pleurisy, lung abscess, respiratory failure, and even sepsis.