Types of Pneumonia and Their Treatment: Urgent Care or ER? 

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Types of Pneumonia and Their Treatment

Pneumonia is when your lungs become infected by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can spread from your lungs to other areas of your body, such as your blood or brain lining. Its symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the individual’s cause, age, and overall health. Common symptoms include a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, wheezing, and confusion, may occur.

If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to seek urgent treatment near you immediately for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If left untreated, pneumonia can become a serious medical condition that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Types of Pneumonia and Their Treatment

Pneumonia causes fluid to fill up the air sacs. It can be mild or severe. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause the infection. It can cause breathing problems, a cough, and a fever.

  • Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia usually gets better within 2 to 4 weeks. However, people with babies, older people, heart or lung problems, and those at risk of complications may require hospitalization. You will probably be given intravenous fluids and antibiotics to treat the infection in the hospital. You also might get oxygen therapy and breathing treatments to help your lungs clear the germs.

To diagnose bacterial pneumonia, your doctor will take a sample of sputum (mucus) from your throat or lungs, or they may use a thin tube called a bronchoscope to look at the inside of your lungs.

  • Viral Pneumonia

Pneumonia is caused by viruses and bacteria that can be transmitted through the nose or throat or are transferred to the lungs from hands that touch something contaminated with a virus. This infection is usually mild but can be serious to the elderly or people with a weakened immune system.

Symptoms vary depending on who is infected and the type of virus. Children and adults may feel tired or weak and have a fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and a bad appetite. Older people have symptoms that may include confusion, dizziness, or low body temperature. Treatment for viral pneumonia is usually simple. You can stay home until your symptoms clear up on their own.

You might need immediate care, If your symptoms are severe or if you have other health problems.

  • Fungal Pneumonia

Various fungi can cause fungal pneumonia, but the most common cause is Aspergillus fumigatus. Symptoms of fungal pneumonia include coughing, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Treatment usually involves antifungal medications and supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and rest. With prompt treatment, most cases of fungal pneumonia can be cured.

  • Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia is a type of infection that occurs when you breathe in food, saliva, or fluids from your mouth. This type of pneumonia is more common in people with swallowing problems or nerve disorders. As with regular pneumonia, you may have chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing when you have aspiration pneumonia. This happens because bacteria in the food or liquid irritate your airways.

You may also see lung inflammation on a chest x-ray or CT scan. You might also have blood and sputum tests to check your white blood cell count. You must visit an emergency room in Waco if you have any of these symptoms. They can diagnose aspiration pneumonia and start treatment to help you recover. It can be a serious infection that will take time to recover from.

When to visit the ER for Pneumonia?

It’s time to visit the ER for pneumonia if you notice the following symptoms:

  • A cough with green, yellow, or bloody mucus
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain that worsens when coughing or deep breathing
  • Fever
  • Sweating and shaking chills
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Express Emergency Room Waco for assistance when you notice shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue.

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