If you have a cough that will not go away, chest pain when you breathe or a high fever, it could be pneumonia.
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It can range from mild to life threatening, especially in young children, older adults and people with certain health conditions.
At Banner Health, we provide comprehensive pneumonia care, from diagnosis to treatment, to help you breathe easier and recover safely.
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the tiny air sacs, called alveoli. When these air sacs fill with fluid or pus, it becomes harder for oxygen to move into your bloodstream.
This can make breathing difficult and cause symptoms that range from mild illness to severe respiratory distress.
Symptoms vary based on your age, overall health and the type of pneumonia.
A fever of 105°F (40.5°C) is considered very high and requires urgent medical care.
Older adults may have milder or different symptoms, including:
Call your health care provider if symptoms are new or getting worse.
Call 911 or go to the emergency department if you have:
Pneumonia can lead to serious complications, especially in high-risk groups.
Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.
Often caused by viruses such as:
Viral pneumonia may start mild but can become serious.
Most commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. It often develops after another illness.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of bacterial pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria.
Caused by fungi such as Cryptococcus or Pneumocystis jirovecii, usually in people with weakened immune systems.
Caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This form is often mild and may not cause severe symptoms, which is why it is sometimes called walking pneumonia.
Some types are contagious.
Bacterial and viral pneumonia can spread through droplets when someone coughs or sneezes.
Aspiration pneumonia, which happens when food, liquid or vomit enters the lungs, is not contagious.
Anyone can get pneumonia, but risk increases with:
If you have risk factors, talk to your provider about prevention strategies.
Your provider will:
Tests may include:
Prompt diagnosis helps guide proper treatment.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity.
Used for bacterial pneumonia.
Used in certain viral infections, such as influenza.
Used for fungal pneumonia.
Provided if oxygen levels are low.
Nebulized medications may help open airways.
Severe cases may require hospitalization.
If hospitalized, recovery may take six to eight weeks.
Mild pneumonia may improve within one to two weeks.
Fatigue and cough can last longer, even after treatment begins.
If hospitalized, it may take several weeks to feel fully recovered.
Complications are more common in older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.
These may include:
Work with your provider if you have a weakened immune system.
Banner Health offers expert diagnosis and treatment for pneumonia at convenient locations. Our pulmonologists, respiratory therapists and infectious disease specialists work together to create personalized treatment plans.
We provide:
If you are experiencing pneumonia symptoms, schedule an appointment with a Banner Health provider today or seek emergency care if your symptoms are severe.
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