Pneumonia (lung infection)

Description Infection in the lu...

Description

Infection in the lung. The air cells can fill with fluid (pus) causing shortness of breath and breathing problems. Pneumonia can be severe and is a common cause of death. Certain risk factors, such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, diabetes, depressed immune systems, and poor nutrition increase the risk of developing pneumonia. Two kinds of pneumococcal vaccination (PPSV23 or "Pneumovax" and PCV13 or "Prevnar") protect against the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia.

Symptoms

Cough with greenish or yellow sputum, bloody sputum, fever with shaking chills, sharp or stabbing chest pain, chest pain worsened by deep breathing or coughing, rapid, shallow breathing, shortness of breath, weak pulse.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray can confirm the diagnosis. Blood tests, sputum cultures, and blood cultures can identify the cause and severity of the infection. Occasionally a CT scan is performed as well especially if an associated pleural effusion is present.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, X-ray

Other Specific Tests: Blood cultures, Sputum cultures, Arterial blood gas (ABG)

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Pulmonology, Family Practice, Pediatric Pulmonology

Treatment

Antibiotics (azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, levofloxacin, ceftriaxone, doxycycline). Pneumonia treatment may require a stay in the hospital for intravenous antibiotics. Supplemental oxygen may be needed until the pneumonia improves. Severe cases can require mechanical ventilation.