Pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both of the lungs. Though symptoms vary, if you suspect you or someone you love has pneumonia, schedule a consultation at Kamelhar Pulmonology in Manhattan. Dr. David Kamelhar is a highly-skilled pulmonologist who can diagnose and treat your pneumonia before it turns into a more serious problem. Call the Midtown East New York City office or schedule a consultation online today.

Pneumonia Q & A

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the lung. The infection may focus on the air sacs, also known as alveoli or the interstitium, or the structural part of the lung The air sacs may fill up with fluid or pus, or the fluid or pus may accumulate in the fleshy part of the lung. In either case, there may be trouble breathing.

A bacteria, virus, mycobacterium, or fungus may cause pneumonia. Viral pneumonia may begin with cold or flu-like symptoms while bacterial pneumonia may develop acutely without an underlying prodrome. 

Anyone can develop pneumonia. However, pneumonia may be more dangerous in immunocompromised people and older adults. Smoking and heavy alcohol use may also put you at risk of developing more severe lung infections.

People with a lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a greater risk of getting pneumonia. 

Pneumonia, particularly if left untreated, can result in the development of fluid around the lung. This is called either an empyema, if the fluid contains pus, or a parapneumonic effusion, if the fluid contains inflammatory cells only. 

People with a lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at a greater risk of getting pneumonia. 

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Pneumonia symptoms may be mild or severe. Signs and symptoms you may have pneumonia include:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Congestion
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Change in mental status

The type of symptoms you have may depend on the germ causing your infection, your age, and your medical history. Older adults, for example, may not have a fever with pneumonia but experience a change in mental awareness.

Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, if you suspect pneumonia, you need to see a doctor. Kamelhar Pulmonology can provide the diagnosis and treatment you need. 

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Pneumonia symptoms may resemble those caused by a cold or the flu and may be hard to diagnose. When you visit Kamelhar Pulmonology with concerns about pneumonia, your physician will obtain and perform a comprehensive physical examination emphasizing a careful examination of your breathing with a stethoscope.

In addition, a chest X-ray is likely to be ordered and blood tests performed. Sputum and blood may be examined to best determine the exact cause of the infection and to determine whether it has spread to your bloodstream. 

Your physician may also do pulmonary function testing to assess your breathing.

How is pneumonia treated?

Treatment for your pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia you have, the severity of your symptoms, and whether or not you are compromised in your ability to fight infection. Your physician at Kamelhar Pulmonology is likely to prescribe

• Antibiotics to treat bacterial pneumonia and some types of fungal pneumonia
• Antiviral medication (such as Tamiflu) for viral pneumonia
• Antifungal antibiotics, such as voriconazole or itraconazole to treat fungal pneumonia

You may also benefit from treatments to ease breathing and other symptoms while the medication works to clear your infection. That might include inhalers, mucous thinners, cough suppressants, decongestants, and medication for your fever. Oxygen may be prescribed if your oxygen level is compromised.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus. There have been multiple designated variants of concern designated by the WHO. Just like pneumonia and other respiratory infections COVID-19 affects people differently from mild to severe symptoms, depending on their age and immune status. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Symptoms of COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough, usually dry
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Body aches
• Headache
• Loss of taste or smell
• Nasal congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Chest pain

Dr. Kamelhar has experience in treating patients with COVID-19 infection and the long-term effects that result from COVID-19. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and have any symptoms contact us and we will guide your care. The doctors work hand-in-hand with specialists in the rehabilitation of “long Covid”.

No matter what type of pneumonia you have or the treatment you need, you can expect the pulmonologists at Kamelhar Pulmonology to spend time talking to you about your infection and your treatment options. 

For expert pneumonia care, call Kamelhar Pulmonology or schedule an appointment online today.