What makes pneumonia dangerous

In seniors, the infection tends to be severe, warranting emergency treatment or even oxygen therapy. Symptoms of pneumonia may seem similar to that of the flu, but they tend to last longer and be noticeably more aggressive. However, if you're older, it's essential to seek treatment right away to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. You should make an appointment to be evaluated by one of our specialists if you or a loved one is experiencing one of the following.

It is important to carefully monitor people who belong to at-risk groups for pneumonia due to a weakened immune system, age, or a chronic or acute condition. Receiving proper care in a timely matter is vital to fighting the infection before it becomes life-threatening.

One of our specialists will determine if you're being affected by pneumonia with a comprehensive physical examination and evaluation of your medical history. Diagnostic tests may also help your provider decide what type of pathogen is causing your illness. These tests that will be performed may include. Blood tests are conducted to confirm and identify the cause of the infection. A chest X-ray will help your doctor diagnose pneumonia, locate the site of infection, and check for the amount of inflammation.

Pulse oximetry measures the levels of oxygen in your blood because pneumonia will often prevent your lungs from getting enough oxygen into your bloodstream. A sputum test is carried out by using a sample of fluid from your lungs to determine the cause of infection.

A CT scan may be recommended if your symptoms are progressing longer than expected. The scan will help the doctor obtain a clear image of your lungs. A sample is taken from the pleural area between your ribcage using a needle. A treatment plan will be created for you by one of our providers who will take your age and overall health into consideration when prescribing you a treatment regimen.

For more severe cases, antibiotics, cough medicines, and pain relievers are often taken in combination with oxygen therapy. Only call if you cannot get help online or you need help for a child under 5. Pneumonia can affect people of any age, but it's more common, and can be more serious, in certain groups of people, such as the very young or the elderly.

People in these groups are more likely to need hospital treatment if they develop pneumonia. A doctor may be able to diagnose pneumonia by asking about your symptoms and examining your chest.

Pneumonia can be difficult to diagnose because it shares many symptoms with other conditions, such as the common cold , bronchitis and asthma. A doctor may also take your temperature and listen to your chest and back with a stethoscope to check for any crackling or rattling sounds. They may also listen to your chest by tapping it. Lungs filled with fluid produce a different sound from normal healthy lungs. If you have mild pneumonia, you probably will not need to have a chest X-ray or any other tests.

You may need a chest X-ray or other tests, such as a sputum mucus test or blood tests , if your symptoms have not improved within 48 hours of starting treatment. Accessed April 15, Community-acquired pneumonia adult. Rochester, Minn. Goldman L, et al. Overview of pneumonia. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa. Accessed April 18, Schauner S, et al. Journal of Family Practice. Attridge RT, et al. Health care-associated pneumonia: An evidence-based review.

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