Fever Sweating and shivering Discomfort in your chest when you cough or breathe, particularly breathing when breathing deeply Fast, shallow breathing. This may occur only when you are physically active. Fatigue Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These are common symptoms in infants. Coughing. You may even cough up yellow, green, rust-colored, or pink and bloody mucus. Headache Lack of hunger White fingernails Confusion. This commonly occurs in elderly people who have pneumonia. A lower body temperature than normal. This is most likely to occur in the elderly or people with weakened immune systems. Joint pain, rib pain, upper abdominal pain, or back pain Accelerated heartbeat
Children younger than two People over 65 People with other health conditions such as HIV/AIDS, heart, or lung problems People getting chemotherapy People taking medications which suppress their immune systems
If you feel out of breath or breathe rapidly even when you are resting How long you have been coughing and whether it is getting worse If you are coughing up mucus that is yellow, green, or pink If your chest hurts when you inhale or exhale
If your lungs rattle or crackle, this is a sign of an infection. Your doctor may tap on your chest while listening. This can help detect lungs that are filled with fluid.
A chest X-ray. This will help the doctor to see if you have an infection in your lungs and if so, which side it is in and how widespread it is. This test does not hurt. The doctor will use X-rays to create an image of your lungs. You may be asked to wear a lead apron to protect your reproductive organs. If you think you might be pregnant, tell your doctor, because X-rays may be dangerous for your baby. [10] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Blood or sputum cultures. During this test, the doctor will either take blood or ask you to cough sputum into a vial. The blood or sputum will be tested in the lab to determine exactly what pathogen is causing the infection. If you are already in the hospital and/or your health is severely compromised, other tests may be done. This could include a test of your arterial blood gases to determine if your lungs are supplying your blood with enough oxygen, a CT scan if you are in the ER, or thoracentesis, during which a highly trained specialist uses a needle to go through the skin and muscles of your chest and remove a small amount of fluid for testing.
Most people on antibiotics for pneumonia, especially mild pneumonia like walking pneumonia, can be treated at home. If your symptoms do not improve after two days or worsen, contact your doctor immediately. That is a sign that you need a different medication. You may continue coughing for two to three weeks after finishing the antibiotics. If this occurs, consult your doctor. Antibiotics will not work for viral pneumonia. Your immune system will have to fight it off.
Exhaustion, headaches, infrequent urination, passing dark or cloudy urine[14] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Do not take ibuprofen if you are allergic to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, have asthma, kidney problems, or stomach ulcers. [16] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source Do not give medications containing aspirin to children or teenagers. Consult with your doctor before starting these medications to make sure that they will not interact with any other over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, herbal remedies, or supplements you may be on. Do not take these medications if you are pregnant, nursing, or treating a child without first talking to your doctor.
An alternative to cough medicine is a cup of warm water with lemon and honey in it. This can help soothe the pain caused by coughing. If you do take cough medicines, even over-the-counter medications, read the ingredients and make sure that it they are not the same as those in any other medications you are taking. If so talk to your doctor to make sure that you will not accidentally overdose.
The doctor will put a small scope through your nose or mouth and into your lungs to remove the object. You will probably receive medication to numb your nose, mouth, and airways. You may also be put under general anesthesia or take a medication that will help you relax. Removing the object will enable you to heal.
You are over 65 You are suffering from confusion You are vomiting and cannot take your medications Your breathing is rapid and you need to be placed on a ventilator Your temperature is lower than normal Your pulse is abnormally fast (over 100) or abnormally low (under 50)
Having trouble staying awake Breathing difficulties Insufficient oxygen in the blood Dehydration A low body temperature
