Pneumonia – When Should you Seek Emergency Care?
Pneumonia is a lung infection. When you have pneumonia, breathing is difficult due to fluid build-up, pus, and inflammation in the lungs. The symptoms of pneumonia vary, and it is vital to know when you should see your primary care physician or go to your local Portland, Texas emergency room.
Pneumonia Symptoms
A person’s overall health and medical history can affect the severity of pneumonia symptoms. Typically, adults who are generally healthy before developing pneumonia experience moderate symptoms. Those who have chronic medical issues may be more likely to have severe symptoms.
Here are the symptoms that you should look out for:
- Severe sweating and/or chills
- High fever that could reach up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit
- Congestion, chest pain, or a feeling of tightness
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Muscle pains
- Shortness of breath
- A loose cough that produces thick yellow, brown, white or green phlegm
If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor to prevent the illness from progressing.
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent cough, especially if you are coughing up blood or pus
- Persistent high fever
Are you at high-risk for hospital admission?
There are some who have a higher risk of needing hospitalization due to pneumonia. If you have conditions such as heart disease, asthma, or kidney and endocrine disorders, get medical help right away. The following are at a high-risk for hospitalization:
- Children below 2 years old
- People over 65 years of age
- People taking medication that suppresses the immune system
- People receiving chemotherapy
- People with a weak immune system
When should you seek emergency medical care for pneumonia?
Regardless of which condition you fall ill to, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that you may be facing a medical emergency if you experience the following symptoms. Seek immediate emergency care at Physicians Premier, your Portland, Texas emergency room if you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Severe chest pain
- Severe dizziness
- Rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Persistent vomiting
- Lethargy or confusion
- Severe headache
- A very high fever
- Bluish color of the fingernails or lips
- Bluish skin color
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