![]() ![]() Michael Niederman is the pneumonia expert here at Weill Cornell Medicine,” detailed Kavanaugh. Pneumonia caused by bacteria is the most easily treated viral and fungal pneumonia are more difficult to treat. Most types of pneumonia are treated with antibiotics. “This can be tested to diagnose which organism the patient is growing in their lungs and ultimately causing the pneumonia.” How is it treated? “If possible, patients should bring in a sample of the mucus that they have coughed up,” said Kavanaugh. ![]() Pneumonia caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus can be diagnosed with a chest x-ray or CT scan. Pneumonia sounds louder in the chest wall because the infection is denser than air.” “To diagnose pneumonia,” explained Kavanaugh, “the physician will listen with the stethoscope and tap (percuss) on the patient’s chest. The longer pneumonia is left untreated, the more dangerous it becomes, causing a prolonged and more difficult recovery. Anyone with lung disease, however, should see a pulmonologist.” “A primary care physician is best for most patients. “If you have a fever and are coughing, seek care immediately,” asserted Kavanaugh. It can also cause a change in color in the mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract.” When is medical help necessary? “Pneumonia can also cause confusion, forgetfulness, or a sudden change in mental ability. These signs are serious and warrant immediate attention from a medical professional.”Īdults: After contracting pneumonia, adults often experience a cough, fever, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and general fatigue that does not improve.Įlderly: “Adults over 65 can experience the same symptoms as adults,” said Kavanaugh. “They may have difficulty breathing or begin abdominal breathing (also known as “seesaw respirations”). “They may, however, vomit, cough, or have difficulty getting comfortable or eating,” explained Kavanaugh. Young children: Newborns and infants may not show any sign of infection after contracting pneumonia. Pneumonia presents itself differently in young children, adults, and the elderly, which can make it more difficult to recognize the disease in yourself or a loved one. If left untreated, this disease makes it difficult to breath and decreases the amount of oxygen delivered to the lungs, which may lead to complications and even death. ![]() Adults and children with lung and heart disease.Who gets this disease?Īnyone, at any age, can contract pneumonia. There are resistant strains of bacteria in New York City, which can make pneumonia more challenging to treat. “It usually develops from a bacteria but can also come about from a virus or fungus.” “Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs,” explained Kavanaugh. Here, Alanna Kavanaugh, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, CCRN-a nurse practitioner at the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine-explains the most important facts about pneumonia to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. ![]() Unfortunately, many Americans are not aware of the most common symptoms and risks for pneumonia. November 12 is World Pneumonia Day, a day to raise awareness about the leading cause of death for infants worldwide, as well as a leading cause of death for the elderly. Stronger Together in the Face of COVID-19.Coronavirus (COVID-19) Toggle Coronavirus (COVID-19) menu options.Your Rights and Protections Against Surprise Medical Bills.Advancing Patient Care Toggle Advancing Patient Care menu options.About Doctors at WCM Toggle About Doctors at WCM menu options.Myra Mahon Patient Resource Center Toggle Myra Mahon Patient Resource Center menu options.Health Podcasts Toggle Health Podcasts menu options.Patient Education Toggle Patient Education menu options.Weill Cornell Connect Toggle Weill Cornell Connect menu options.WCM OnDemand Second Opinion Toggle WCM OnDemand Second Opinion menu options.Video Visits Toggle Video Visits menu options.Digital Health Services Toggle Digital Health Services menu options. ![]()
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