Which health disorder is characterised by symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, headache, and the discolouration of lips and fingernails to a gray or bluish colour?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Pneumonia
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. They infect the alveoli of the lungs, which fill with fluid, so breathing becomes difficult. Its symptoms are fever, chills, cough and headache, and in severe cases the lips and finger nails turn gray to bluish because the blood gets too little oxygen.
Option (1) Typhoid — Incorrect. Typhoid shows sustained high fever, weakness, stomach pain, constipation, headache and loss of appetite. A bluish colour of lips and nails is not its sign.
Option (2) Pneumonia — Correct. Fever, chills, cough, headache and gray to bluish lips and finger nails are the symptoms of pneumonia.
Option (3) Ascariasis — Incorrect. Ascariasis, caused by the roundworm Ascaris, shows internal bleeding, muscular pain, fever, anaemia and blockage of the intestinal passage.
Option (4) Amoebiasis — Incorrect. Amoebiasis shows constipation, abdominal pain and cramps, and stools with excess mucous and blood clots.
NCERT Extract:
Common Diseases in Humans – “… Bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are responsible for the disease pneumonia in humans which infects the alveoli (air filled sacs) of the lungs. As a result of the infection, the alveoli get filled with fluid leading to severe problems in respiration. The symptoms of pneumonia include fever, chills, cough and headache. In severe cases, the lips and finger nails may turn gray to bluish in colour.”