A common cold typically brings with it symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and a mild cough. For most people, it’s a temporary nuisance that resolves on its own within a week or two. However, in some cases, a cold can progress into something more serious like pneumonia. Understanding the signs and symptoms of pneumonia is crucial, as it can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated. If you’re wondering whether your cold is turning into pneumonia, here’s what you need to know.
For same-day illness testing and treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark. Our team is here to evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan treatment accordingly. Just walk-in today– no appointment required!
What Causes Cold To Turn Into Pneumonia?
A common cold and pneumonia are two different conditions. People tend to mistake them for one another, hence a lot of cases in which they are not treated properly. It is incorrect to say the cold becomes pneumonia. It's more accurate to say that pneumonia can develop as a secondary bacterial infection. Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and it can develop after a cold or other upper respiratory infection. When pneumonia sets in, the lungs’ air sacs fill with fluid or pus, making it harder for oxygen to reach the bloodstream.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Here are some symptoms of pneumonia and signs that your common cold might be progressing into a secondary infection:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Body aches
- Sinus pressure
- Chest congestion
- Tiredness and weakness
How To Prevent Your Cold From Progressing To Pneumonia
1. Treat Your Cold On Time
It’s been noticed that colds can progress into pneumonia when not treated on time. This happens because the common cold reduces your body’s resistance to the pneumonia pathogen. When it has stayed for too long, it causes phlegm to coalesce in the chest and the alveoli to get inflamed.
2. Use Decongestants
A way to prevent colds from becoming pneumonia is to use decongestants. These help relieve chest congestion. They do this by lightening mucus trapped in the lungs. Which allows it to come out as phlegm. The removal of this mucus reduces the risk of lung infection and pneumonia.
3. Drink Water
Dehydration can lead to a less effective immunity and cold air creates dehydration in the body. A weakened immunity makes the body vulnerable to the Pneumonia infection. Drinking fluids, especially lukewarm ones, move mucus trapped in your airways.
4. By Draining Fluid.
Another method that works is to drain the fluid created by the pneumonia that is stuck between the lungs and the chest walls. This fluid drain will quickly relieve you and prevent the pneumonia from getting worse.
Pneumonia can be a serious condition, especially for young children, the elderly, or those with underlying health issues. A healthcare provider can perform tests, such as a chest X-ray or blood tests, to diagnose pneumonia and determine the appropriate treatment.
Get a Walk-In Pneumonia Diagnosis at AFC Urgent Care Clark
While most colds are harmless and resolve on their own, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms. If your cold worsens or is accompanied by difficulty breathing, a high fever, or chest pain, it may be progressing into pneumonia. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to recovering quickly and avoiding complications. If you’re concerned that your cold is turning into pneumonia, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Clark for evaluation and guidance on the best treatment options. Visit us today with no appointment necessary! Our center is open seven days a week and operates on a walk-in basis. We accept most major health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about pneumonia treatment, or other services we provide, please call us directly at (732) 301-5114.
