What kind of doctor should you go to if you have pneumonia?

Answer 1

The only way to KNOW that you have pneumonia is by a Chest X-Ray. If you have a persistent deep cough, feel weak and tired, short of breath especially on exertion, see your doctor for a diagnosis. If you also have a fever, see your doctor right away.

The doctor can listen to your lung sounds and do a clinical exam and often diagnose without the need for X-ray to begin treatment. If further confirmation of pneumonia is needed beyond the clinical findings on the doctor's physical exam, then a Chest X-Ray will be ordered or done by the doctor. Sometimes cultures of the sputum coughed up will be done to determine exactly what pathogen is the cause of the pneumonia, especially if the initial treatment does not improve the symptoms within the expected time frame. The doctor can put you on antibiotics, if needed, for a bacterial infection causing the pneumonia, or start anti-viral or anti-fungal medication based on the culture results.

Pneumonia can be caused by viruses as well as bacteria and fungal infections, so depending on the type of pneumonia, the doctor may or may not prescribe antibiotics (that are for treating only bacterial pneumonia).

Answer 2

You need to visit a general practitioner to have your problem diagnosed. Pneumonia is not something to be taken lightly, and there are various types of the disease. Your GP will then refer you to a specialist if necessary, and, if the problem is threatening, send you to a hospital. Don't delay; see a doctor now.

Answer 3

Symptoms include Cough. You will probably cough up mucus from your lungs, fever, shortness of breath, chills, chest pain that worsens when you cough or take deep breath, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness.

In order to diagnose, your doctor will do a physical exam and usually do a chest x-ray and blood tests.

Answer 4

Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by a bacteria or virus. It can last 2-3 weeks and can often be treated at home. However, in babies and the elderly, immediate physician care is needed, as it can be potentially fatal in these populations. Pneumonia symptoms can vary depending on any other medical conditions you may have and what is causing the pneumonia. It is important to identify the symptoms of pneumonia so that it can be treated early and not become serious.

There are two types of pneumonia: bacterial and viral. Bacterial pneumonia symptoms usually come on suddenly. They occur after a cold or flu and include a cough, fever, shortness of breath, chest and muscle pain and fast heartbeat. Other symptoms may include weakness, tiredness, vomiting, diarrhea and serious chills (to the point where your teeth are chattering).

Viral pneumonia is generally less severe. Symptoms include fever, shortness of breath and a cough with mucus. Symptoms may come on gradually and may be confused with a cold or flu. Viral pneumonia is often so mild that many people don’t even know they have it.

Symptoms may vary depending on age. In infants, symptoms may include lack of energy, fever, grunting and not eating well. In older children, symptoms are often the same as in adults, but may primarily entail a cough and heavy breathing. Elderly patients may have different or less mild symptoms. They may have no fever, and in fact, they may have a decrease in temperature. One major sign of pneumonia in the elderly is confusion and change in thinking.

Once pneumonia is suspected, it is important to prevent it from getting worse. Be sure to get plenty of rest and fluids. Take Tylenol for pain or fever, if needed. See your doctor if symptoms get worse, last longer than four weeks or if you have difficulty breathing, frequent vomiting, blood in the mucus or a fever with chills.

Answer 5

Cough, Fever, Chest Pain, Difficulty Breathing and when i had it i was so sick all i wanted to do was live threw the night

Answer 6

Severe cough that won't go away, chest pains, fevers, abundant sputum, and shortness of breath.

Answer 7

yes

Answer 8

Heavy load in chest pain