Pneumonia Specialist

Las Vegas Family Medicine

Family Medicine located in Las Vegas, NV

Pneumonia is concerning and can make you feel miserable. At Las Vegas Family Medicine in Las Vegas, Dr. Rulon Owen, can help you strengthen your immune system, fight the infection, and relieve your symptoms. Whether pneumonia affects you or your child or family member, Dr. Owen and the friendly medical team are here to help. Call Las Vegas Family Medicine or schedule online today.

Pneumonia Q & A

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in one or both lungs. With pneumonia, your air sacs might fill with pus or fluid and make you cough with phlegm or pus.

Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia is usually more serious for infants, young children, people over age 65, and those with health problems and weakened immune systems.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Symptoms of pneumonia vary but can include:

  • Chest pain when you cough or breathe
  • Confusion or changes in cognitive functioning
  • Cough that might produce phlegm
  • Fatigue
  • Fever, sweating, and chills
  • Body temperature that’s lower than normal
  • Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
  • Shortness of breath

You should visit Las Vegas Family Medicine for prompt and individualized care for pneumonia. Some cases of pneumonia might require hospitalization. If your symptoms are especially severe, you should seek emergency medical attention.

What causes pneumonia?

Various germs can cause pneumonia. Bacteria and viruses in the air you breathe are the most common causes.

Pneumonia is often picked up in hospitals and care facilities. Aspiration pneumonia is a specific type of pneumonia that happens when you inhale drink, food, vomit, or saliva into your lungs.

Risk factors for pneumonia include being hospitalized, being a young child or older adult, having a weakened immune system or chronic disease, and smoking.

What are the complications of pneumonia?

Pneumonia can cause complications such as organ failure if the bacteria enter your bloodstream, difficulty breathing, fluid accumulation around the lungs, and a lung abscess.

How is pneumonia treated?

After diagnosing your pneumonia with a review of your medical history, a discussion of your symptoms and current health, a physical exam, and any necessary testing, such as bloodwork and a chest X-ray, Dr. Owen helps you determine the best treatment.

To treat your pneumonia, Dr. Owen might suggest bed rest with medications, such as antibiotics, cough medicine, fever reducers, and pain relievers, to help you relieve your symptoms and fight the infection. Most symptoms typically subside within a few days or weeks, but the feeling of general fatigue can linger for over a month or longer.

To help prevent pneumonia, you can get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, don’t smoke, and live a healthier lifestyle to try to keep your immune system strong.

Call Las Vegas Family Medicine or schedule online.