Pneumonia
WellNow is here to support you when a persistent cough and high fever, hallmark symptoms of pneumonia, reach a point where expert medical care is essential for recovery.
What causes pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a respiratory illness caused by an infection in one or both lungs. The infection causes inflammation and the accumulation of fluids in the lungs’ air sacs (alveoli). This disrupts the normal exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs.
Pneumonia can be triggered by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. In the US, the most common causes of pneumonia are influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2 and two types of bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Pneumonia demands immediate attention due to its potential severity. While most cases are resolved successfully, it is one of the leading causes of hospitalization. Tens of thousands of Americans are killed by the illness each year.
Certain groups, including very young children, people older than 65, and those with compromised immune systems, may be at greater risk for severe complications from pneumonia and may need to go to the hospital for pneumonia treatment.
WellNow’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Robert Biernbaum, stresses the importance of timely treatment for pneumonia.
“It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms and get treatment quickly, to keep pneumonia from getting worse,” he says.
Do I have pneumonia?
Pneumonia manifests with various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe.Common pneumonia symptoms include:
Coughing (may be productive, with mucus that is yellow, greenish, or bloody)
Shortness of breath
Chest pain that worsens when coughing or breathing deeply
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Fever, chills and sweating
Confusion (most commonly in older people)
Vomiting and nausea (most commonly in small children)
Diarrhea
What is walking pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia refers to a milder form of the illness, where individuals may not even realize they have pneumonia. Symptoms are subtle and often mimic a common cold. Due to the mildness of the symptoms, most people with walking pneumonia feel able to continue “walking around,” doing their daily activities. Walking pneumonia is contagious and can lead to worse forms of pneumonia, especially in at-risk groups such as infants, elderly people, smokers and those with respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems.
What is the difference between pneumonia and bronchitis?
While both conditions affect the respiratory system, pneumonia targets the lungs' air sacs, whereas bronchitis inflames the air passages leading to the lungs. Distinguishing between the two is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the danger signs of pneumonia?
Get medical help right away if:
It becomes hard to breathe
Your lips and fingernails change color (cyanosis)
You have chest pain
You develop a high fever
Coughing produces a severe amount of mucus
How does a person catch pneumonia?
Pathogens reach the lungs through inhalation. The most common transmission method is through droplets produced by coughing, sneezing or talking. Occasionally, you can get pneumonia from touching an infected surface and then touching your mouth or nose.Can a cold or flu turn into pneumonia?
The common cold and the flu are caused by respiratory viruses. If the virus enters your lungs, it can cause pneumonia.
Can mold cause pneumonia?
Inhaled mold can lead to pneumonia, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems.
Can a sinus infection turn into pneumonia?
A sinus infection can progress to pneumonia if the infection spreads to the lungs. Prompt treatment of sinus infections reduces the risk of complications.
How do you avoid pneumonia?
Preventing pneumonia involves practicing good hygiene, staying up-to-date with vaccinations, avoiding tobacco smoke, practicing good hygiene and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What are the four stages of pneumonia?
The classification of pneumonia into stages helps healthcare professionals understand the severity of the infection and guides appropriate treatment. The four main stages of pneumonia are as follows:Consolidation Stage
Pneumonia begins with the inhalation of pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. The infection triggers an inflammatory response in one or both lungs, causing the air sacs to fill with fluid and inflammatory cells. This leads to consolidation, where affected lung tissue becomes solid rather than filled with air.
Red Hepatization
Blood vessels in the affected lung become engorged with red blood cells, giving the lung a reddish appearance. The lung continues to fill with fluid, leading to respiratory difficulties.
Gray Hepatization
In this stage, the inflammation begins to heal. The lung tissue becomes more solid and grayish as fluids break down. With the reduction of inflammation, there is a gradual improvement in the exchange of gases in the affected lung.
Resolution
The resolution of pneumonia results in the restoration of normal lung tissue structure and function.
How do you treat pneumonia?
Understanding your treatment options can help you recover from pneumonia more quickly.What things should you avoid when you have pneumonia?
Individuals with pneumonia should steer clear of smoke, overexertion and unnecessary exposure to respiratory irritants.
What treatment options are available for curing pneumonia?
Pneumonia treatment often involves antibiotics or antiviral medication. Rest, hydration and over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage symptoms. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best course of treatment for your illness.
When should you seek medical attention for pneumonia?
Delaying professional care for pneumonia can lead to severe complications and even death. To avoid possibly getting to the point of hospitalization, seek medical care if your symptoms persist or worsen despite home remedies. You can access quick, expert medical care at your local WellNow Urgent Care Center. If you’re in severe respiratory distress, go to your local emergency room immediately.
How long does pneumonia last?
The time needed to completely heal and recover from pneumonia varies, typically ranging from one to three weeks. Factors such as overall health, age and the type of pneumonia influence and may extend the recovery timeline.
What happens if pneumonia is left untreated?
Untreated pneumonia can lead to severe complications, including sepsis, lung abscesses and failure of the respiratory system, heart or kidneys. These serious complications are life-threatening. Seeking timely medical attention is crucial to prevent these potential outcomes.
Where can I learn more about pneumonia?
The American Lung Association is a leader in providing education on lung health. Visit lung.org for articles and information on pneumonia and other illnesses affecting the lungs.
When should you visit urgent care for pneumonia treatment?
Pneumonia should be treated immediately to prevent complications and ensure a swift recovery. At WellNow Urgent Care, our dedicated specialists are well-equipped to address pneumonia cases. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for timely and effective treatment.
Check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you.
This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.
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