What are the primary symptoms of aspiration pneumonia?

Aspiration pneumonia primarily occurs when food, liquid, or other foreign substances are inhaled into the lungs, leading to an inflammatory response and infection. The key symptoms are difficulty breathing, as the lungs become inflamed, and signs of infection, which can include fever and cough. These respiratory distress symptoms arise from the body's reaction to the aspirated material, often resulting in impaired gas exchange and compromised respiratory function.

The other options present symptoms that are not characteristic of aspiration pneumonia. For example, decreased appetite and weight gain are more related to gastrointestinal or metabolic issues rather than respiratory complications. Skin discoloration and fatigue may reflect various underlying health problems but do not directly indicate aspiration pneumonia. Nausea and vomiting can occur in various medical conditions but do not specifically signal pneumonia resulting from aspiration. Thus, the primary symptoms accurately associate with the challenges faced in aspiration pneumonia.