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Pneumonia Specialist

Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center

Adult Sleep Medicine, Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep & Pediatric Neurologist located in San Antonio and New Braunfels

In a given year, over a quarter of a million people in the United States have to visit the emergency room because of pneumonia. Since this serious lung infection can become life-threatening if left untreated, the skilled pulmonology team at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center offers expert care. You can book your pneumonia evaluation at any of the two San Antonio-based clinics in Nix Alamo Heights, Shavano Park, or Lockhill-Selma, Texas, by clicking on the online scheduler. You can also call the clinic nearest you to speak with a team member.

Pneumonia Q & A

What causes pneumonia? 

Pneumonia is an infection that leads to inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs. As these small sacs start filling up with fluid or pus, breathing becomes increasingly difficult. 

The most common types of pneumonia are viral and bacterial pneumonia. These types of pneumonia spread easily to others through inhaling droplets that contain the germs, or by coming into contact with a contaminated person or object.

While less common, it’s also possible to develop pneumonia because of fungal organisms. This type of pneumonia usually spreads through contaminated soil or bird droppings. 

How do I know if I have pneumonia?

The best way to confirm pneumonia — and to rule out related issues, like inflammation of your airways (bronchitis) — is to come into Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center for an evaluation. Your doctor listens to you breathe, takes labs, and looks at a chest X-ray to check for fluid in your lungs.

To help with the diagnostic process, it’s important to let your physician know about all of the pneumonia symptoms you may be experiencing, including:

  • Sweating, fever, or chills
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Nausea or vomiting 
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Coughing fits

While pneumonia can vary from mild to severe, it can quickly progress if you have a weakened immune system. This is why pneumonia can become life-threatening for children and seniors. In any case, the team at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center can provide treatment. 

What is the treatment for pneumonia?

Treating pneumonia depends on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. Your dedicated physician from Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center could recommend:

  • Oral antibiotic, antiviral, or antifungal medications 
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers
  • Prescription-strength cough medicine
  • Respiratory or oxygen therapy

Once your doctor gets your pneumonia under control, they talk with you about prevention. For example, it’s important to get updated pneumococcal and flu vaccines to help decrease your risk of serious pneumonia complications in the future.

Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center can help you with the pneumonia treatment you need. Find out more by booking an evaluation either online or over the phone.