Pneumonia is a severe lung infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. When you have pneumonia, you may experience fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. While anyone can get pneumonia, it can be life-threatening in people under age 2 or over age 65, people with weakened immune systems, or people with weakened lungs.

Tests

Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray can show infection in your lungs.

Blood Tests
Your physician can take a blood sample to examine in a lab. Your physician will look for bacteria, viruses, or fungi in your blood that may be causing your pneumonia.

Sputum Test
Your physician may swab your cheek or throat from a sample of your mucus. Your mucus may have bacteria, viruses, or fungi in it that helps your doctor identify the cause of your pneumonia.

Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry helps your doctor monitor how much oxygen is in your blood. Pneumonia can make it hard for oxygen to enter your blood. If there is not enough oxygen, you may need respiratory support.

Treatments

Immunizations
Vaccines for the flu and pneumococcal pneumonia can help prevent common infections that cause pneumonia. However, you can still get pneumonia from other types of infections.

Supportive Care
If you have severe pneumonia, you may need care in the hospital. Your physicians can help support your body as it fights the infection with fever-reducing medicines, intravenous (IV) fluids, and respiratory support.

Antibiotics
If your pneumonia is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may help stop the infection.

Over-the-Counter Medicines
If you have more mild pneumonia, your doctor may suggest you take fever-reducing medicines and cough medicines to manage your symptoms while your body fights the pneumonia.

Nebulizers
Nebulizers can be used to breathe in saline or medicines deep into your lungs. They can help fight infection or help loosen up mucus so you can cough up germs.

Why Choose UHealth?

Advanced, specialized care to fight infections. From the latest diagnostic techniques to the newest evidence-based medicines, our infectious disease physicians offer specialized care for many infectious diseases including HIV, cytomegalovirus, fungal infections, mycobacterial infections, and more. We create personalized treatment plans based on the cause of your infection and your health to prevent and fight bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. You’ll have access to expert physicians, more treatment options, and supportive care that focuses on your needs.