Pneumonia is a serious lung infection. There are over 30 possible causes of pneumonia, and in some cases, it’s contagious. If you develop pneumonia, you need to get treatment from the skilled and experienced pulmonologist Andrew R. Freedman, MD, Gichel Watson, RPAC, and the team right away. At Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC, with two offices in Monroe, New Jersey, and Evanston, Wyoming, Dr. Freedman offers conservative and integrative treatments to help you recover as quickly as possible. Use the online booking tool or call the office today to schedule your appointment. Telemedicine services are also available.
Pneumonia is a severe viral or bacterial infection in the lungs. When you develop pneumonia, fluid accumulates in your lungs, challenging breathing. If you have pneumonia, you should seek immediate treatment to increase your chances of a complete and rapid recovery.
Pneumonia can cause not only painful and difficult breathing but also a variety of other symptoms, such as:
It's common to have several symptoms at once, mainly if the pneumonia is untreated or has advanced.
Certain groups are at risk for pneumonia, and if you're in one of these groups, it's essential that you get help quickly if you experience any pneumonia symptoms. At-risk groups include:
If you're in one of these risk groups, your care provider at Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC can help you take proper conservative care measures to protect yourself as much as possible.
Your doctor does a complete physical exam and discusses your symptoms with you to diagnose your pneumonia. Sometimes, they may verify a pneumonia diagnosis with a chest X-ray.
The treatment for bacterial pneumonia is usually antibiotics. Most patients feel better within a few days of taking antibiotics, but finishing the entire prescription is crucial to beat the infection.
Antibiotics can't help with viral pneumonia. Antiviral medicine may help, but rest at home is also very important for recovery.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for all children younger than two and adults 65 or older. It’s also recommended for people ages 2-64 if you’re considered at a higher risk due to other medical conditions.
The other pneumonia vaccination, the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, is recommended for all adults age 65 and older. It’s also recommended for smokers ages 19-64 and those ages 2-64 considered at a higher risk due to other medical conditions.
The team can tell you whether you need one or both pneumonia vaccinations and, if so, when you should schedule your visit.
Call Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Group, LLC, to learn more, or schedule an appointment online today.