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pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that leads to inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs, most commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. For older adults, people with existing lung or heart conditions or weakened immune systems, it can be life-threatening.

Common symptoms include chest pain; a persistent cough (often producing phlegm); fever or lower than normal body temperature; shaking, sweating and chills; fatigue and shortness of breath. Physicians typically diagnose pneumonia with a review of symptoms, an exam and an x-ray to determine the location and severity of the infection. A blood test can determine whether the cause is bacterial, viral or fungal to allow physicians to determine the best treatment plan.

Pneumonia is an infection that leads to inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs, most commonly caused by bacteria or viruses. For older adults, people with existing lung or heart conditions or weakened immune systems, it can be life-threatening.

Common symptoms include chest pain; a persistent cough (often producing phlegm); fever or lower than normal body temperature; shaking, sweating and chills; fatigue and shortness of breath. Physicians typically diagnose pneumonia with a review of symptoms, an exam and an x-ray to determine the location and severity of the infection. A blood test can determine whether the cause is bacterial, viral or fungal to allow physicians to determine the best treatment plan.

Treatment options may include antibiotics or other medications, or hospitalization if a patient has difficulty breathing.

Click here to request an appointment or call us at 210-692-0361.

Questions & Answers

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of your lungs. It occurs when a virus, bacteria, or fungi enter your respiratory system, causing the air sacs in your lungs to become swollen and inflamed.

Pneumonia varies in severity. For most people, it’s an annoyance that responds well to prescription medication. For infants, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, it can be potentially life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Symptoms of pneumonia include:

  • Chest pain
  • A cough that produces phlegm
  • Fatigue
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath

In people over the age of 65, pneumonia can also cause confusion or changes in awareness.

When should I see a pulmonologist about pneumonia?

Make an appointment with the team at Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio if you experience chest pain, have difficulty breathing, or have a fever of 102 °F or higher. That’s especially true if:

  • You’re 65 or older
  • You have an underlying medical condition
  • You’re undergoing chemotherapy
  • You have a weakened immune system

If you have a child younger than two who is experiencing symptoms of pneumonia, you should also book an appointment.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

To diagnose pneumonia, your Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if any activities like exercising or climbing stairs make them worse.

Next, your provider listens to your lungs with a stethoscope. If they hear any bubbling or crackling, they might order additional tests, like a chest X-ray or blood work, to confirm your diagnosis.

A chest X-ray can determine the location and extent of pneumonia, while blood tests can determine if your infection is viral, bacterial, or fungal.

How is pneumonia treated?

At Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio, the team treats pneumonia by curing the underlying infection and taking steps to reduce the risk of complications.

Depending on the severity of your pneumonia, they might recommend antibiotics, cough medicine, fever reducers, or pain relievers.

If you have a severe case of pneumonia, and it’s affecting your ability to breathe, the team might recommend hospitalization.

Is there any way to prevent pneumonia?

There’s no way to prevent pneumonia entirely, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. The team at Pulmonary Consultants of San Antonio recommends:

  • Getting vaccinated
  • Washing your hands regularly
  • Not smoking
  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Getting plenty of sleep
  • Managing your stress

GET IN TOUCH
210-692-0361
10007 Huebner Road, Bldg 4
San Antonio, TX 78240
FAX: 210-692-0151

OPENING HOURS
Monday: 8am-4:30pm
Tuesday: 8am-4:30pm
Wednesday: 8am-4:30pm
Thursday: 8am-4:30pm
Friday: 8am-4:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed