What symptoms are indicative of pneumonia, a common LRTI?

The symptoms that are indicative of pneumonia, which is classified as a lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), primarily include shortness of breath and a cough that produces sputum. Pneumonia generally affects the lungs and is characterized by inflammation of the alveoli, which can accumulate fluid or pus, leading to that specific cough. This symptom can be accompanied by difficulty breathing, known as dyspnea, as the body struggles to get adequate oxygen due to compromised lung function.

In comparison with the other options, dyspnea and a runny nose may suggest other respiratory issues but are not specific to pneumonia, as the runny nose typically indicates upper respiratory tract involvement rather than lower. Congestion and swollen lymph nodes are more associated with infections like a cold or upper respiratory infections. A sore throat and fatigue, while potentially related to respiratory infections, do not adequately represent the characteristic signs of pneumonia. Hence, the combination of shortness of breath and a productive cough distinctly identifies pneumonia in clinical practice.