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Pneumonia often develops when people are weakened by a bad cold or an attack of the flu. The Southwest Pulmonary Associates team in Dallas and Plano, Texas, has extensive experience in managing patients with pneumonia. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe enough to restrict your breathing, they can help. Call Southwest Pulmonary Associates for a prompt diagnosis and treatment, or reqeust an appointment with the pneumonia specialists today.
Pneumonia Q & A
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes the air sacs in one or both lungs to fill with fluid or pus. This makes it harder for oxygen to get into your body and can lead to coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Pneumonia can range from mild to severe. It’s especially dangerous in older adults, young children, and people with other health problems.
What causes pneumonia?
Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or even fungi. The most common cause in adults is bacterial infection, especially with Streptococcus pneumoniae. Viral pneumonia, such as that caused by the flu or COVID-19, is also common.
People typically develop pneumonia after having a cold or flu when the lungs are already weak.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Common symptoms of pneumonia include:
- Coughing (often with mucus)
- Fever
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Feeling very tired
Some people also have nausea, vomiting, or confusion, especially older adults.
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
The Southwest Pulmonary Associates team begins with a physical exam and review of your symptoms. They may listen to your lungs for abnormal sounds and order a chest X-ray or blood tests.
If your symptoms are severe or not improving, they may use more advanced tools, such as a CT scan, or perform a bronchoscopy to get a closer look inside your airways.
What treatments are available for pneumonia?
Pneumonia treatment varies according to the type and severity of your condition.
Bacterial pneumonia responds to antibiotics, while viral pneumonia treatment involves taking antiviral medications. Both need supportive care and rest, and you may benefit from fluids through an intravenous (IV) line.
Severe pneumonia might require oxygen therapy or even a hospital stay. The Southwest Pulmonary Associates team creates a personalized plan to help you recover as quickly as possible.
What if pneumonia doesn’t get better?
If your pneumonia isn’t improving, it could be due to complications like a lung abscess or pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs).
In these cases, Southwest Pulmonary Associates uses advanced procedures such as endobronchial ultrasound to better understand what’s going on and guide your treatment.
The team specializes in diagnosing and treating all kinds of lung conditions, including pneumonia. With advanced technology and highly skilled staff members, they provide expert, compassionate care to help you feel better and breathe easier.
Call Southwest Pulmonary Associates if you’re worried about pneumonia symptoms or request an appointment online today.