Pneumonia Symptoms: Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Have you been experiencing prolonged cold-like symptoms? If yes, you may need immediate diagnosis and proper treatment. It can be a sign of pneumonia! Pneumonia has flu-like symptoms, so it is often difficult to distinguish. Around 1.5 million people visit healthcare centers with pneumonia as their primary diagnosis. It is a common infection that causes millions of hospitalizations every year. Knowing its symptoms can help you seek medical attention quickly and prevent severe infection.

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that weaken the lungs. The infection can lead to lung inflammation in the air sacs, filling them with pus or fluid. Pneumonia can happen at any age, but toddlers and older adults are at more risk. The symptoms may vary from moderate to severe, depending on the strength of your immune system. Adopting a healthy lifestyle may keep you away from certain diseases like pneumonia.

Causes of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is caused by germs that enter your lungs and lead to infection. The immune system's defense mechanism leads to inflammation to clear the infection from the lungs causing air sacs to be filled with pus. Pneumonia can be caused by the invasion of bacteria, fungi, or viruses. On that basis, pneumonia is categorized into the following types:

• Bacterial Pneumonia
• Viral Pneumonia
• Fungal Pneumonia

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Pneumonia Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia may vary from mild to severe depending on the cause and other factors, such as age and immunity. A person with a weak immune system tends to develop more severe symptoms. Here are some of the common symptoms of different types of pneumonia:

• Chest pain while breathing or coughing
• Cough with phlegm
• Mental confusion
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sweating, chills, and shivering
• Low body temperature
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Shortness of breath

How Is Pneumonia Treated?

A medical diagnosis of pneumonia is needed to determine the best treatment option as it can vary for different types of pneumonia. Your doctor is the best person to decide which of the following treatment would be best for you:

• If bacteria have caused pneumonia, antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor.
• If you have contracted viral pneumonia, antiviral drugs may help manage the symptoms.
• Antifungal medication is prescribed if you have been diagnosed with fungal pneumonia.

Is Pneumonia Curable?

If diagnosed early and accurately, pneumonia can be curable. Understanding the exact cause of infection makes the treatment easy to prescribe. However, antibiotic resistance can make the work difficult for your doctor. With proper care and medication, patients can overcome lung infections like pneumonia.

Also read: How Frequently Should You Visit Your Primary Care Physician

Where Can You Seek Medical Attention?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, reach out for an expert opinion as soon as possible. Newnan Family Medicine Associates P.C. can help you with an accurate diagnosis and premium treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.