Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The infection causes the lungs' air sacs (alveoli) to become inflamed and fill up with fluid or pus making it hard for oxygen to get into the bloodstream.   

Pneumonia symptoms can vary from so mild that they are barely noticeable, to so severe that hospitalization is required. How your body responds to pneumonia depends on the type germ causing the infection, age, and overall health.

• Cough which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus
• Fever, sweating and shaking chills
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough
• Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue
• Confusion, especially in the elderly

Pneumonia can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are so variable, and are often very similar to those seen in a cold or influenza. To diagnose pneumonia, and to try to identify the germ that is causing the illness,  a complete medical history will be obtained.  

Frequent questions that will be asked are - any recent travel, occupation, contact with animals, exposure to other sick people, and whether you have recently had another illness.  After taking medical history a thorough physical exam will be performed.  If pneumonia is suspected appropriate tests will be performed including but not limited to:

• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Pulse oximetry
• Sputum test

A treatment plan will be developed depending on what type of pneumonia is diagnosed.  If the pneumonia is bacterial, an antibiotic will be prescribed.  Viral pneumonia is treated with an antiviral medication.