You wake up feeling worse than usual. Your chest is heavy, your cough won’t stop, and even your go-to latte from Honeybee Coffee doesn’t give you the usual boost. While you might assume it’s just a stubborn cold or flu, these symptoms could point to something more serious: pneumonia. Recognizing the signs early can make a significant difference in your recovery. At AFC Farragut, we provide expert care to diagnose and treat pneumonia so you can get back to feeling your best.

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What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs, which can fill with fluid or pus, leading to difficulty breathing. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi and varies in severity from mild to life-threatening. While anyone can develop pneumonia, it’s more dangerous for infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia symptoms often resemble those of the flu or a respiratory infection, which can make it difficult to identify. However, pneumonia tends to worsen over time rather than improve. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough, which may produce phlegm
• Fever, chills, and sweating
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
• Fatigue and muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (less common)
• Bluish lips or fingernails (a sign of severe oxygen deprivation)

For older adults and infants, symptoms may be subtler. Seniors may experience confusion or dizziness, while infants might display difficulty feeding or labored breathing.

How Do You Get Pneumonia?

Pneumonia spreads through airborne droplets from coughs or sneezes, contaminated surfaces, or even inhaling harmful substances like polluted air or smoke. Some factors that increase your risk include:

• Recent respiratory infections (such as the flu or a cold)
• Chronic health conditions like asthma, COPD, or diabetes
• Smoking or excessive alcohol consumption
• Weakened immune system due to illness or medications
• Recent hospitalization or exposure to healthcare settings

When to Visit AFC Farragut for Pneumonia Symptoms

If your symptoms are severe or not improving after a few days, it’s essential to seek medical care. Visit our clinic if you experience:

• Persistent fever over 102°F
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Cough with thick, green, yellow, or bloody mucus
• Confusion or dizziness (especially in older adults)
• Worsening symptoms after an initial improvement from a cold or flu

If you or a loved one develops bluish lips, severe difficulty breathing, or a high fever that doesn’t respond to medication, seek emergency care immediately.

How Is Pneumonia Diagnosed and Treated?

At AFC Farragut, our medical team will evaluate your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and may recommend diagnostic tests such as:

• Chest X-ray to confirm lung infection
• Blood tests to identify bacterial or viral infections
• Oxygen level tests to assess breathing efficiency

Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia you have:

1. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics. Improvement typically begins within a few days.
2. Viral pneumonia is managed with supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and fever reducers. Antiviral medications may be prescribed in some cases.
3. Fungal pneumonia is less common and requires antifungal medications.

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for oxygen therapy and intravenous medications.

How to Prevent Pneumonia

While pneumonia isn’t always avoidable, taking preventive measures can reduce your risk:

• Get vaccinated. The pneumococcal vaccine and annual flu shot help prevent common causes of pneumonia.
• Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking, eat a balanced diet, and stay active to keep your immune system strong.
• Manage chronic conditions. If you have asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, follow your AFC provider’s recommendations to prevent complications.

If your usual morning coffee stop isn’t enough to shake off that lingering cough and fatigue, it might be time to consider whether you have pneumonia. Recognizing the symptoms early and seeking prompt medical care can prevent complications and speed up recovery. AFC Farragut is here to provide expert diagnosis and treatment so you can breathe easier. Don’t wait, visit us today and let us help you get back to feeling your best.