Pneumonia

Coughing? Short of breath? These are common signs of pneumonia, a treatable condition that can turn serious without the right care. Specializing in diagnosing, preventing, and treating pulmonary disorders, Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Algonquin, Illinois, offers personalized care for pneumonia. The practice, led by Dennis Kellar, MD, and Amanda Law, FPA-APRN, CNP, is equipped with diagnostic tests on-site to identify the cause of your condition and recommend effective treatment. Call the practice today or book a consultation online.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection causing inflammation in the air sacs of your lungs. The air sacs may become clogged with pus or fluid with pneumonia, making breathing difficult.

Pneumonia is brought on by a virus, bacteria, or fungus in the air you breathe. Bacterial pneumonia is more common than viral pneumonia and tends to be more severe. It may develop on its own or occur after a case of the flu or a viral cold when your immunity is suppressed.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Pneumonia symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Cough, sometimes with greenish, yellow, or bloody mucus
• Shortness of breath
• Fever, sweating, and shaking chills
• Shallow, rapid breathing
• Sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens with a cough or deep breath
• Loss of appetite
• Low energy or fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting, especially in young children
• Confusion, especially in older adults

If you’re older, have a serious illness or a weak immune system, it’s so important to seek medical attention sooner rather than later as pneumonia can become life-threatening very quickly.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

To identify the germ causing your pneumonia, your Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine provider reviews your medical history, performs a physical exam, and runs diagnostic tests. Tests help your provider to learn more about the source of your pneumonia and confirm your diagnosis. These tests include:

• Blood tests: to identify the germ and confirm the infection
• Chest X-ray: to locate and evaluate the amount of inflammation
• Pulse oximetry: to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood
• Sputum test: to test a sample of sputum, or mucus, to find the source of the infection

The team at Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine may recommend other tests if need be, such as a metabolic cart, to assess oxygen consumption and energy use.

How is pneumonia treated?

Your provider creates a treatment plan for you based on the cause of your pneumonia, overall health, age, and other factors. For example, you’ll be prescribed an antibiotic if your pneumonia is bacterial. For severe cases, you may be administered breathing treatments or oxygen therapy.

The goal of your treatment is to cure the infection and prevent complications from pneumonia.

If you have a nasty cough and are concerned you might have pneumonia, get expert diagnosis and treatment from Northwest Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine. Call today or book a consultation online.