Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia symptoms can range from mild to severe and often include:
- Persistent cough, producing phlegm (mucus) or dry cough
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
- Chest pain or discomfort, worsened by coughing or deep breathing
- Fatigue and muscle aches
- Nausea or vomiting, particularly in children
- Confusion or disorientation, especially in older adults
Diagnosis and Treatment at Nova Patient Care
At Nova Patient Care, our providers diagnose pneumonia using:
- Physical examination and symptom review
- Chest X-rays, to identify lung infection
- Oxygen level testing, for breathing assessment
- Blood tests or sputum cultures, if bacterial pneumonia is suspected
Treatment options include:
- Antibiotics, for bacterial pneumonia
- Antiviral medications, for viral pneumonia (e.g., influenza-related cases)
- Cough suppressants and expectorants, to manage symptoms
- Oxygen therapy, for severe cases affecting breathing
- Hydration and rest, to support recovery
