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COPD and Pneumonia: A Dangerous Mix

Having both pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can result in serious complications and cause long-term damage to lungs and other major organs. Pneumonia may also cause hypoxia (the deprivation of oxygen) in people with COPD, which can lead to kidney damage, irreversible brain damage and cardiovascular problems including heart attack and stroke.

Pneumonia symptoms are often mistaken for flare-ups for people suffering from COPD, which can lead to pneumonia going undiagnosed. Consequently, it is important to know the difference between the two. People suffering from COPD should be watchful for symptoms that are more characteristic of pneumonia, such as:

• Chills
• Shaking
• Increased chest pain
• High fever
• Headaches and body aches

People suffering from both COPD and pneumonia may have difficulty talking due to a lack of oxygen and will produce sputum that is green, yellow, or tinged with blood.

Read the complete article to learn more about pneumonia and COPD.