, and mycoplasma pneumonia.
- A productive cough (producing green, yellow, or bloody mucus) is the most common symptom of pneumonia. Other symptoms include fever, shaking chills, shortness of breath, low energy, and extreme tiredness.
- Pneumonia can often be diagnosed with a thorough history and physical exam. Tests used to look at the lungs, blood tests, and tests done on the sputum you cough up may also be used.
- Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia you have. Antibiotics are used for bacterial pneumonia, and may also speed recovery from mycoplasma pneumonia and some special cases. There is no good treatment for viral pneumonia, which usually gets better on its own. Other treatment may include a healthy diet, more fluids, rest, oxygen therapy, and medicine for pain, cough, and fever control.
- Most people with pneumonia respond well to treatment, but pneumonia can cause serious lung and infection problems and can even be deadly.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your health care provider:
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
- At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you.
- If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Stump-Sutliff, Kim, RN, MSN, AOCNS
Online Medical Reviewer:
Ziegler, Olivia Walton, MS, PA-C
Date Last Reviewed:
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