Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation of the lungs that may have widespread physical effects. The disease may be difficult to treat in some instances, particularly if the infection is viral in nature. Knowing the side effects of pneumonia can help identify the disease as well as let sick people take proper precautions and measures to maintain health until the illness subsides.

Many of the side effects associated with pneumonia are related to the respiratory system. People with pneumonia may at first believe they have a a nasty but simple cold, thanks to persistent coughing and shortness of breath. If these symptoms begin to include a fever, which is one of the major side effects of pneumonia infection, or are accompanied by intermittent chest pain, it may be critically important to see a doctor at once.

Most people recover from pneumonia, but lingering and even permanent side effects of pneumonia can occur in some cases. Most serious side effects of pneumonia occur in situations where the infection goes untreated or is complicated by underlying lung disease. If the infection gains momentum, it can quickly spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, the infection may spread to the air sacs, making breathing extremely difficult. Bacteria may also enter the bloodstream and transport to other organs, causing secondary and sometimes life-threatening infections.

People with pneumonia may be in danger of developing abscesses on the lungs. These are pus-filled sacs that grow over damaged or destroyed tissue in the lungs. The sacs can sometimes hemorrhage, causing bleeding in the lungs. Doctors may choose to treat abscesses with antibiotics or sometimes are able to drain them if they do not respond to drug therapy.

Though rare, one of the most dangerous side effects of pneumonia is a buildup of fluid between the two thin membranes that coat the lung. Called pleural effusion, the fluid may start as a thin sterile liquid but can also develop into pus, at which point it is called empyema. Advanced cases may leave permanent scarring on the membranes even after the infection is successfully treated.

Since many forms of pneumonia are treated with drug therapy, it is also important to note that some side effects of pneumonia may in fact be reactions to the drugs. Depending on the type of medication used, patients may experience nausea, muscle aches and fatigue, or dizziness and loss of appetite. It is important to ask doctors about side effects associated with any prescribed medication, and also to be aware of any side effects that may indicate an allergic reaction to the drug.