Coughing is an early symptom of pneumonia and is associated with the congestion stage, also known as Stage 1 of pneumonia.
According to the reference:
- Stage 1 (Congestion): This stage occurs in the first 24 hours of infection. During this stage, bacteria and white blood cells are present in the lungs as the body begins to fight the infection. The lungs experience increased blood flow and airway swelling. Early symptoms that are observed are coughing and fatigue.
