What are common signs and symptoms of pneumonia?

Pneumonia is primarily an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation in the air sacs, which can fill with fluid or pus, leading to various respiratory symptoms. The common signs and symptoms that indicate pneumonia include a cough, which may produce sputum, fever, chills, and chest pain. The cough is a significant symptom as the body attempts to clear the infection from the lungs. Fever and chills are indicative of the body's inflammatory response to infection, while chest pain often arises from coughing or pleuritis, the inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs.

In contrast, the other options include symptoms that do not typically signify pneumonia. Headache, nausea, and fatigue can be associated with various conditions but are not specific indicators of pneumonia. Joint pain, rashes, and dizziness generally point to other systemic or dermatological issues rather than respiratory infections. Similarly, a sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing are more characteristic of viral upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu, rather than pneumonia, which primarily affects the lower respiratory tract.