What is Pneumonia?
This is an infection of the lungs. It causes inflammation of the air sacs in either one or both lungs. There are many germs that can cause this sickness but mainly bacteria and viruses that are in the air we breathe is the most common cause. Typically, our bodies fight off these germs but if your immune system weakens, this can cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia can be severe in older adults and young children, those with weak immune systems can also be affected greatly. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Viral pneumonia can be caused by other illnesses like the measles, influenzas’ (flu), or chickenpox. At WellCare Urgent Care center we can help identify the cause of your pneumonia and give you proper treatment.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Fever
- Sweating
- Chills
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Chest Pain
- Shortness of Breath
Treatment of Pneumonia
There are various treatments used for pneumonia. The treatment used will depend on the type and severity of your illness as well as your age and overall health.
The various treatment options are:
- Antibiotics
- Cough Medicine
- Fever Reducers
No matter what type of medications are used to treat your pneumonia it is important to remember to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Pneumonia can be life-threatening to those who are either very young, elderly or have weak immune symptoms. If this is the case for you then you should visit an emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have pneumonia without symptoms?
How long is pneumonia contagious for?
How long do you feel weak after pneumonia?
What types of pneumonia are contagious?
Is there a type of pneumonia that's worse than others?
Come into WellCare
If you think you have pneumonia it is important to seek care from a medical professional. Although pneumonia is fairly common, it can be life-threatening. Visit WellCare Urgent Care center in Grand Rapids to get a proper diagnosis and treatment started. You can schedule a same-day appointment online at our Cascade and Leonard locations.
