Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lungs that causes inflammation of the alveoli, the tiny air sacs responsible for gas exchange. These sacs may fill with pus or fluid, impairing oxygen transfer. The condition can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with Streptococcus pneumoniae being the most common bacterial cause. Pneumonia varies in severity, ranging from mild illness to life-threatening disease, particularly in older adults, and those with weakened immunity.

You often will present with symptoms that often include fever, chills, productive cough with yellow or green sputum, chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing, and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include fatigue, confusion in older adults, and gastrointestinal upset.

Treatment depends on the cause. You will need to be assessed by me which can be done via Telehealth and we will formulate a treatment plan. Bacterial pneumonia is managed with antibiotics, while viral cases are usually supportive. Additional measures include rest, hydration, fever control, and, in severe cases, hospitalization with oxygen therapy.