Know the Warning Signs of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a very serious infection of the lungs that can result in a high fever, coughing, and difficulty taking a breath. While many people can successfully treat this problem at home (with a recovery time that normally takes about 2-3 weeks), emergency medical attention will be required in some instances. Here is how to spot the signs of pneumonia so you can take the fast action necessary to avoid potentially serious complications.

Symptoms

Pneumonia symptoms often appear suddenly, typically after someone has the cold, flu or another type of upper respiratory infection. These often include:

• Chills and shaking
• Shortness of breath
• Cough
• Fever
• Rapid heartbeat
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting and nausea

Children often display varied symptoms depending on their age. For example, an infant may seem lethargic, grunt regularly or have a fever.

Getting Medical Help

If you have any reason to suspect that you or someone in your household has pneumonia, it is extremely important to get medical help as soon as possible. The faster treatment starts, the faster someone can recover from the condition. It is even more critical for young children, the elderly and those with asthma and other chronic health problems to see a doctor quickly. Emergency medical assistance will be needed if any of the following occur:

• Severe breathing problems
• Coughing up blood
• A feeling that you may faint if you try to stand or even sit up
• Chills accompanied by a fever
• Chest pains that increase in intensity

Jupiter Medical Specialists are here to make your healthcare journey simple. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.