Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that develops in one or both of your lungs due to a virus, bacteria, or a fungus. The infection causes inflammation in the air sacs of your lungs, filling them with pus or fluid.

Inflammation leads to a variety of symptoms that can range from mild to severe, and even become life-threatening for the elderly or those with immune system disorders.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Symptoms of pneumonia may be similar to a cold but will last longer and possibly worsen over time. Common pneumonia symptoms include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea
• Vomiting

It’s important to seek medical treatment from Dr. Kumar if you have symptoms of pneumonia and have an existing immune system disorder or a fever that doesn’t resolve with over-the-counter medications.

What are my risk factors for pneumonia?

You can develop pneumonia by being around others with the illness, breathing in germs or touching infected objects. Your risk for pneumonia also increases if you smoke or have an underlying condition like:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Autoimmune disorder
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

You may also be prone to developing pneumonia if you’re taking certain medications that interfere with the function of your immune system.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

During your evaluation, Dr. Kumar listens to your symptoms and completes a physical exam. He evaluates the health of your lungs through a stethoscope, checking for certain sounds that can indicate pneumonia.

If Dr. Kumar suspects your symptoms point to pneumonia, he may recommend additional testing, including chest X-rays and blood testing, to understand the severity of your condition.

What treatments are available for pneumonia?

Your treatment plan for pneumonia depends on the cause of the infection. If your condition is due to a bacterial infection, Dr. Kumar prescribes a course of antibiotics. 

If your pneumonia is the result of a viral infection, you can use over-the-counter cough medicines and pain relievers to stay comfortable.

In some cases, pneumonia may require a stay in the hospital, especially if you’re over 65 or have underlying health conditions. Young children may also need hospitalization to prevent dehydration and other complications.

If your persistent cough isn’t getting better, schedule an evaluation for pneumonia using the online booking feature or by calling the office today.