Symptoms of Pneumonia

Description

Inflammation of the lung resulting from infectious and non-infectious causes. The air cells can fill with fluid causing shortness of breath and breathing problems. The infection can be severe and result in death. Certain risk factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, diabetes, depressed immune systems, and poor nutrition increase the risk of developing pneumonia. The "pneumonia shot" (pneumovax) only protects against one bacteria and does not prevent pneumonia.

Symptoms

Cough with greenish or yellow sputum, bloody sputum, fever with shaking chills, sharp or stabbing chest pain, chest pain worsened by deep breathing or coughing, rapid, shallow breathing, shortness of breath, weak pulse.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests, sputum cultures, and blood cultures can identify the cause and severity of the infection. Occasionally a CT scan is performed as well especially if an associated pleural effusion is present.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12
X-Ray
CT Scan

Treatment

Antibiotics are only effective for bacteria but many times the cause of the pneumonia cannot be determined resulting in most patients initially receiving antibiotics (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, ceftriaxone). If the pneumonia is severe admission to the hospital and intravenous antibiotics will be administered. Severe cases can require mechanical ventilation. For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573. American Lung Association: (800)586-4872 National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800)222-5864