Pneumonia

Signature Health Services can help with the care and management of pneumonia.

Pneumonia

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia results from a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection that provokes air sacs (alveoli) inflammation in one or both lungs. It can cause symptoms like coughing, chills, fever, and difficulty breathing because of fluid or purulent material in the air sacs.

It can range from mild to a severe illness in patients of all ages. Pneumonia becomes more serious in older adults, young children, and people with a weakened immune system. People with a history of heart failure or chronic lung issues must see a doctor if they experience pneumonia symptoms. This illness can become a life-threatening condition if it is not quickly treated.

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Healthcare providers use information about the patient’s medical history to diagnose pneumonia. Furthermore, they should conduct a physical examination, including listening to the lungs, pulse oximetry, or even blood tests and chest X-rays.

Patients older than 65 or those with some comorbidities might need additional tests to determine the cause of the infection or ensure that there are some side effects. These may include:

1
Take a sample of the lung fluid
2
CT scan
3
A fluid sample from a needle between the ribs

Risk factors for pneumonia

While pneumonia might affect patients of all ages, some people have increased risks of developing pneumonia, such as:

Children younger than 5
Adults older than 65
People who smoke tobacco products
People with chronic medical conditions
People with long COVID-19

What is the treatment of pneumonia?

Treatment for pneumonia will depend on whether it is viral, bacterial, or fungal and how serious the illness has become. However, in many cases, medical tests can’t determine a cause, and treatment will then be focused on managing symptoms and keeping the patient stable.

Viral pneumonia often heals independently, but patients should follow their doctor’s recommendations to treat symptoms and decrease the risk of severe complications. Bacterial or fungal pneumonia should be treated with antibiotics or antifungals.

Other treatments include:

1
Oxygen therapy
2
IV fluids
3
Pain relievers
4
Fever reducers
5
Cough suppressants

Can pneumonia be prevented?

Pneumococcal vaccines and vaccination against viruses are usually the best way to prevent pneumonia. Nevertheless, some everyday actions help reduce the risk of pneumonia, such as:

Maintaining good hand hygiene
Quit smoking tobacco products
Keep healthy habits
Avoid close contact with people who have an infectious disease
Get treated for any health condition

How can skilled home nursing help patients with pneumonia?

Unless the illness becomes severe enough to require hospitalization, a patient can have an effective pneumonia home treatment. Skilled nurses can perform any test necessary to diagnose and treat pneumonia. Nurses can also assist patients with their medication and symptom management.

How much does pneumonia treatment cost in Houston, Texas?

Professional involvement in a medical treatment cost depends on your health requirements and medical insurance particularities. However, a skilled nurse will always be prepared to deal with the pneumonia patient’s needs. So please feel free to call us about any inquiry or information regarding the home care of an ill patient.

Why choose Signature Health Services?

At Signature, we have the experience and resources to provide the best support for the patient and the family. Also, our registered nurses may help with assistance and could support any treatment process.

For more information on how Signature Health Services can help with your healthcare needs, please call 1 (800) 277-8291 (option 1) or email information@signaturehealthservices.net.