Pneumonia Specialist

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the air sacs in one or both of your lungs. It occurs when a microorganism, like a virus, bacteria, or fungus enters your airways and spreads.

Pneumonia varies in severity. Usually, it responds well to treatment, but for infants and people 65 and older, it can be potentially life-threatening. If you develop symptoms of pneumonia and they don’t improve within a day or two, request a consultation at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

The symptoms of pneumonia include:

• Chest pain when you breathe or cough
• Confusion or changes in mental awareness (especially in those over 65)
• A cough that produces phlegm
• Fatigue
• Fever, sweating, and chills
• Lower than average body temperature
• Shortness of breath

In some cases, pneumonia triggers gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

When should I see a respiratory specialist about pneumonia?

Make an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates if you develop a persistent cough, chest pain, or a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. That’s especially true for people who are 65 or older, infants, or living with an underlying autoimmune disease. 

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Fivestar Pulmonary Associates diagnoses pneumonia during an in-office visit.

Your physician reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if they’re worse during certain activities. Next, they conduct an exam. Your physician listens to your lungs with a stethoscope and orders several tests, including blood work, chest X-rays, and pulse oximetry.

Blood work helps confirm a bacterial or viral infection, while pulse oximetry measures the oxygen levels in your blood. If these tests don’t provide enough information, your physician might also collect a sample of phlegm and analyze it. 

How is pneumonia treated?

Treatment of pneumonia depends on several factors, including the cause of the infection and the severity of your symptoms. The team at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates recommends conservative measures whenever possible, including:

• Antibiotics
• Cough medicine
• Fever reducers
• Pain relievers
• Rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids

If at-home treatments don’t stop pneumonia from getting worse, your physician might recommend hospitalization. That’s especially true if you’re 65 or older, experience poor kidney function, or need assistance breathing.

To receive treatment for pneumonia, make an appointment at Fivestar Pulmonary Associates by calling the office or booking online today.