How to Know if You Have Pneumonia?
You’re coughing, feverish, achy – is it just a bad cold or something worse? House Call Doctor helps you determine if your illness is a run of the mill cold or the more dangerous pneumonia.
It’s wintertime – it’s cold, wet, and often filled with viruses and bacteria running rampant through the air.
Many of us will get sick at least once during the winter season and although it’s more than likely to be the common cold or flu that we contract, some illnesses can wreak havoc on our holiday plans and bodies. Pneumonia is one of these nasty illnesses we all wish we could wipe off the face of this earth.
Like many people, you may have developed a nasty cough this winter. But how can you tell it’s “just another virus” or if it’s actually something more serious like pneumonia? Let’s find out and learn all about pneumonia in today’s episode.
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What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is simply the term doctors use to describe an infection in the lungs. It occurs much more commonly in the wintertime. As we breathe in air, we are exposed to viruses and bacteria that enter our nasal passages and subsequently into our lungs. Our immune system typically fights these organisms off, but sometimes the organism can set up shop and grow in our respiratory system (the lungs).
Bacteria are the top cause of pneumonia, but viruses cause about a fifth of the pneumonia cases. Fungi can also cause pneumonia, but this is very rare and typically in those with a very weak immune system (like in HIV or chemotherapy patients).
Who Is at Higher Risk of Developing Pneumonia?
Some groups of patients may have a higher risk of acquiring pneumonia – these are typically patients whose immune systems may be working less optimally. They are immunecompromised, as we doctors say). You have a higher chance of developing pneumonia if:
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You’re over age 65 -
You have a chronic lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, etc.
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You are a smoker
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You have diabetes
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You have mobility challenges (cerebral palsy, stroke, etc.)
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You are an alcoholic
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You are taking chemotherapy drugs
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You are taking chronic steroids
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You have had an organ transplant
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You have HIV
You’re over age 65Symptoms of Pneumonia
Most patients with pneumonia feel pretty crummy, and they look like they got hit by a truck. But some patients can live with a less than severe walking type of pneumonia, in which they can still function but may still feel lousy. Here are some of the most common symptoms of pneumonia:
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Cough -
Phlegm
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Fever
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Chills
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Fatigue
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Malaise
CoughPneumonia Red Flags
I know what you’re thinking, “Dr. Majd, these all sound like the common cold or flu symptoms that I to experience several times a year!” And you’d be right. So how can you tell if you have pneumonia or just a cold? After all, even the common cold and/or flu can be pretty nasty – nasty enough that you may think you have pneumonia.
As I’ve discussed in my previous episodes on the common cold and flu, these viruses tend to last 7 to 10 days. If you improve after this time period, more than likely it’s the cold or flu virus. If you improve but then suddenly get worse, or if you don’t improve within this time period, you should seek your physician. In addition, the following red flags should prompt you to go to a doctor right away (even if it’s within the initial 7 to 10 day period):
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Shortness of breath
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Rapid heart rate
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Chest pain
How Is Pneumonia Diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to tell if you have pneumonia simply by listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. You also will likely have your lung oxygen levels checked (via a probe placed on your finger) by the nurse who also takes your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Most patients with pneumonia have good oxygenation, but an abnormal level can indicate a more serious type of pneumonia. You also may (or may not) have a fever. If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor will likely order a chest x-ray to confirm it.
Treatment of Pneumonia
Once pneumonia is diagnosed, antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat it. The type of antibiotic and length of treatment really depends on each patient’s individual health. Those with mild pneumonia are often treated with oral antibiotics and followed in the office. But those with more serious pneumonia or other underlying medical problems may be hospitalized.
Most patients say they feel improvement after 1-5 days of treatment, but a milder cough can linger for weeks after. Most patients have significant improvement after one month. If you had an abnormal chest x-ray, your doctor may repeat it one month later to confirm that the pneumonia has resolved. Therefore, follow up with your doctor after a diagnosis of pneumonia is important.
Even though pneumonia is treatable, it can be very serious and even fatal in up to 10% of patients (particularly in the elderly and other high risk groups). Therefore, if you suspect pneumonia please make sure to see your doctor right away.
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Please note that all content here is strictly for informational purposes only. This content does not substitute any medical advice, and does not replace any medical judgment or reasoning by your own personal health provider. Please always seek a licensed physician in your area regarding all health related questions and issues.
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About the Author
Dr. Sanaz Majd is a board-certified Family Medicine physician who graduated from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. Her special interests are women’s health and patient education.
