pulmonary
Pulmonary Medicine Services We Provide
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Don’t Let Pneumonia Progress — Early Care Makes All the Difference
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to coughing, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and can range from mild to life-threatening—especially in older adults, young children, and those with weakened immune systems. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent serious complications like lung abscesses or respiratory failure.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of pneumonia can vary based on the cause and severity, but commonly include:
- Persistent cough, often producing greenish or yellow mucus
- Fever, sweating, and shaking chills
- Chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing
- Shortness of breath and fatigue
How We Diagnose Pneumonia
Our team uses several diagnostic methods to confirm pneumonia and determine its type:
- Chest X-Ray: Reveals lung inflammation and the location and extent of infection.
- Blood Tests & Sputum Culture: Identify the organism causing the infection and guide treatment choices.
- Pulse Oximetry or ABG: Checks if enough oxygen is reaching your blood and whether additional support is needed.
Treating Pneumonia Effectively
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the illness. Options include:
Antibiotics or Antivirals:
To directly target bacterial or viral infections.
Oxygen Therapy & Supportive Care:
For those with low oxygen levels or severe respiratory distress.
Frequently asked question
Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam (including listening to the lungs), a chest X-ray to detect lung inflammation, and sometimes blood tests or sputum analysis to identify the cause.
Treatment depends on the cause. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. Supportive care—such as rest, fluids, fever reducers, and oxygen therapy—is used in both bacterial and viral cases. Severe cases may require hospitalization.
Yes. Vaccines like the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccines reduce the risk. Good hand hygiene, avoiding smoking, and managing chronic conditions also help prevent pneumonia.
Teamwork Health offers prompt evaluation and treatment for both bacterial and viral pneumonia, including diagnostic testing and tailored care plans.
