Pneumonia Treatment

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a fairly common infection that can also be very serious. According to the CDC In 2018 alone there were 1.5 million ER visits with pneumonia as the primary diagnosis, 150,000 patients admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics, and approximately 48,000 deaths.

The main symptoms of pneumonia include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Fatigue

What are the Treatment Options for Pneumonia?

Most patients will do very well with taking antibiotics at home to get better. On occasion a pneumonia can be severe enough to require being admitted to the hospital for IV antibiotics. If you suspect you may have pneumonia you should see a doctor.

When Should You See a Doctor for Pneumonia?

Patients should seek medical attention if they have any of the following:

Fever and cough
Cough and mild to moderate shortness of breath
Age over 65 years with a new onset cough

Can Pneumonia be Prevented?

Pneumococcal vaccines can greatly reduce your risk of getting pneumonia. This is an immunization that all babies get during routine wellness visits. Every patient over 65 should also get a pneumonia vaccine. There are certain medical conditions when patients should get a pneumonia vaccine prior to 65. These include, but are not limited to, heart disease, liver failure or hepatitis, diabetes, chronic lung disease such as COPD or emphysema, chronic kidney disease, patients with a history of stroke, and any patient with a clinically compromised immune system.