The sneaky signs of pneumonia and what to do next

It starts like any other cold or flu — but pneumonia doesn’t always play by the rules. This common lung condition can go from mild to life-threatening in days.

Phillip Pileggi, DO, physician at HonorHealth Urgent Care, shares how to spot the signs and know where to go for care.

Urgent care or emergency room?

Where to go for treatment depends on your symptoms and how severe they are:

• Urgent care: Best for mild to moderate symptoms, such as a low fever and a cough that isn’t getting better. At HonorHealth Urgent Care, experienced providers can perform an exam, order diagnostic tests like chest X-rays if needed and begin treatment to help you feel better sooner.
• Emergency room: Go right away (or call 911) if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain or a high fever that won’t break. These may be signs that your pneumonia is more advanced and needs hospital care.

How it’s treated

To diagnose pneumonia, your doctor will review your symptoms and listen to your breathing. They may also order a chest x-ray to check for infection or lab tests to determine the cause.

• Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics.
• Viral pneumonia usually improves with rest, fluids and over-the-counter fever reducers and discomfort.
• Fungal pneumonia is less common and typically requires prescription antifungal medication. Valley Fever is one example of a fungal infection that can cause pneumonia.

When should you see a lung specialist?

If you’ve been treated for pneumonia but your symptoms aren’t improving, a pulmonologist may be able to help, says Jonathan Moore, MD, director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Program at HonorHealth Heart Care.

These lung specialists can run additional tests to find out what’s really going on. Depending on the cause, treatment may include different antibiotics, steroids, antifungals or anti-inflammatory medications.

“Pulmonologists are more likely to treat pneumonias caused by fungi or atypical bacterial infections,” notes Dr. Moore. “Sometimes patients may be misdiagnosed initially with pneumonia, but they may be experiencing pulmonary symptoms due to autoimmune issues or other non-infectious causes.”

Whether you see an urgent care doctor or a specialist, stay in touch with your provider once treatment begins. They’ll track your recovery and adjust your medications as needed to help your lungs heal.

Three tips to prevent pneumonia

• Get vaccinated. “The pneumonia vaccine protects against common bacterial causes and is especially recommended for children under five and adults over 65 or with risk factors,” says Dr. Pileggi. “The influenza vaccine also reduces the risk of viral pneumonia caused by flu.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing drinks.
• Take care of your immune system. Eat well, stay active and get enough sleep. If you have a chronic condition like asthma or diabetes, stick to your treatment plan. And if you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your lungs.

Breathe easier with HonorHealth

Pneumonia doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the right prevention steps and care, you can lower your risk and rest easy knowing you’re on the road to better health.