Pneumonia Symptoms and Treatment
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs to become inflamed. Once inflamed, the lung’s air sacs fill with fluid or pus, which causes coughing and can make it hard to breathe. If you have mild to moderate symptoms, your primary care provider can offer the necessary treatment. However, if your symptoms are severe, visit one of the five Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care locations in Hamilton County. After assessing your symptoms, the emergency room staff can provide treatment. You might be discharged from the emergency room, so you can manage your care at home or be admitted to the hospital if you need additional treatment.
Mild to Moderate Signs of Pneumonia
Many people experience mild or moderate pneumonia symptoms. These symptoms include:
- Sweating
- Fever
- Chills
- Respiratory issues
- Chest pain that worsens when coughing or inhaling
- Nausea
- Vomiting
If you notice these symptoms, call your primary care provider. He or she can help you manage them from home, so you can begin the recovery process.
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Fungal, bacterial, and viral infections can cause pneumonia. If you have a viral or bacterial infection, others can catch it. However, fungal infections aren’t contagious.
Visit the ER When With Severe Pneumonia Symptoms
The CDC states that approximately 50,000 Americans pass away due to pneumonia each year. Thus, if you have severe symptoms, you need to go to the ER immediately before you develop significant complications. Severe symptoms include:
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever that won’t break
- Severe chest pain
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Blue tint to lips, fingernails, or skin
- Persistent vomiting
Go to the ER If You’re in a High-Risk Group
Some people are at a higher risk of developing severe pneumonia. If you are in a high-risk group, you should visit the emergency room, even if your symptoms are mild to moderate. Due to the risk factors, your condition could quickly take a turn, so it’s wise to get immediate help.
Groups that are at high risk for developing a severe illness include:
- Children under two years old
- Adults 65 or older
- Immunosuppressed individuals
- Those who have certain chronic illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease
- People with chronic lung disease, including cystic fibrosis and COPD
- Smokers
- Heavy drinkers
If you are in a high-risk group and don’t have the infection, you might be a good candidate for the pneumonia vaccine. Kids younger than two years old or those who have certain medical conditions can get the PCV13 or PPSV23 vaccine. The PPSV23 vaccine is also recommended for smokers and adults aged 65 and over.
Pneumonia Treatment
If your symptoms are mild to moderate and you aren’t in a high-risk group, you can treat them at home. You can take over-the-counter medications to control your fever. You’ll also need to take in ample fluids and get plenty of rest. In addition, you can make breathing easier by taking hot baths and using a humidifier.
If you have severe pneumonia, you might require:
- IV fluids
- Antibiotics
- Oxygen therapy
- Additional breathing treatments
You should always take pneumonia seriously. Even if you have mild symptoms, consult with your primary care provider. However, if the symptoms are severe, don’t wait to receive a phone call back. Instead, visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care for immediate treatment. We treat both pediatric and adult patients and can help you avoid serious complications.
