Pneumonia

Overview

Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs of the lungs, most often caused by bacteria but sometimes by viruses or other organisms. It causes fever, a productive cough, breathlessness and sometimes chest pain. Many cases can be treated at home with antibiotics, but pneumonia can be serious — especially in older adults, young children, pregnant women and people with long-term conditions — and may need hospital care. Vaccination and good general health reduce the risk.

Symptoms

• Fever, sometimes with chills.
• A cough, often productive of coloured or rusty phlegm.
• Breathlessness and sometimes chest pain on breathing in.
• Tiredness and loss of appetite.
• In severe cases: confusion, drowsiness or very low oxygen.

Evaluation and investigations

• Chest X-ray — the key test to confirm pneumonia and assess its extent.
• Blood tests including complete blood count and CRP.
• Pulse oximetry to check oxygen levels.
• Sputum and blood cultures in moderate-to-severe cases.
• Chest CT in selected cases for complications.

Management

Uncomplicated bacterial pneumonia is treated with targeted antibiotics, rest, hydration and fever relief, with close follow-up. Severe pneumonia — with low oxygen, confusion, very high fever, or in vulnerable people — needs hospital treatment with intravenous antibiotics, oxygen and supportive care. Smoking cessation and vaccinations (flu and pneumococcal) help prevent future episodes.

Warning signs — seek urgent care

• Breathlessness, chest pain or bluish lips.
• Confusion or drowsiness with fever.
• Very low oxygen on a pulse oximeter.
• Inability to keep fluids down or worsening despite treatment.

How we help

Dr. Nayak diagnoses pneumonia with a chest X-ray and tests, treats with appropriate antibiotics, monitors recovery, and refers severe cases to hospital. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Respiratory Tract Infection
• Cough with Phlegm
• Acute Bronchitis
• Recurrent Respiratory Infections
• Chest Congestion
• Fever & Infectious Diseases
• Fever with Cough
• Preventive Health & Health Check-ups