Pneumonia Recovery
Norton Pulmonary Specialists is a leader in treating lung patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana. We use the latest diagnostic tools identify pneumonia and provide treatments to get your recovery started.
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained specialists have a wealth of experience pinpointing the location of the pneumonia infection as well as whether the cause is bacterial, viral or fungal. We’ll use the latest diagnostic tools and develop a customized treatment plan for you.
Having pneumonia can resemble a cold or the flu, but also may include a higher fever, chest pain, vomiting and diarrhea. If symptoms like these persist and you suspect you may have pneumonia, you should get tested immediately.
What Is Pneumonia?
A pneumonia infection inflames the lungs’ air sacs, filling them with fluid.
Pneumonia can be life-threatening and is most dangerous for young children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems. You should see a doctor if you have any of the following pneumonia symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever that persists at 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
- Persistent cough
Types of Pneumonia
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is bacterial and can occur after you’ve had a cold or the flu. It also occurs independently of other respiratory illnesses. When it affects one lobe of the lung, it’s called lobar pneumonia.
- Walking pneumonia, caused by the mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria, has milder symptoms.
- Viral pneumonia is caused by some of the same viruses that cause cold and flu. It’s one of the most common types of pneumonia and can lead to a bacterial infection.
- Various sources of inhaled fungus can cause pneumonia, and it’s particularly dangerous for patients with suppressed immune systems.
Pneumonia Treatment
Antibiotics can fight a bacterial infection. Other types of pneumonia respond to antivirals or antifungals. Often, the best course is managing symptoms, combined with bed rest.
Ways to treat the fever and cough of pneumonia:
- Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or acetaminophen
- Fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm
- Coughing is your body’s way of getting rid of the infection. Talk to your doctor before taking cough medicine. There are other ways to ease your cough so you can rest.
- Warm beverages, hot showers and a humidifier can help open your airways.
- If you smoke and are having trouble staying away from cigarettes while you recover, talk to your doctor.
- Bed rest. Get help if you can with household chores and don’t overdo your activities while you recover.
We meet as a team every week to collaborate on all of our cases, to bring you comprehensive care. When you work with Norton Pulmonary Specialists you work with a team of research specialists, physicians and medical professionals dedicated to finding the best treatment for you.
