Visit an Emergency Room Instead of Urgent Care Clinic : Pneumonia
When your lung’s air sacs become infected, it can cause shortness of breath, fever and chest pain. Pneumonia is a serious infection that can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated. If you think you may have pneumonia, visit your doctor or local emergency room immediately. And if you’re still unsure whether or not to see a doctor about symptoms like these, consider it a positive sign: That you haven’t accepted them as normal. But let an expert weigh in before taking any chances with your health.
According to WebMD, symptoms of pneumonia include a cough that produces mucus or phlegm; fever and chills; shortness of breath when exercising or at rest; and pain in your chest. If you think you have pneumonia, it’s important that you see a doctor as soon as possible. Pneumonia is an infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that leads to inflammation in one or both lungs. It can be life-threatening if not treated early on. The sooner treatment begins, the better chances you have of recovering fully from pneumonia and preventing any long-term damage. If it’s not treatable with antibiotics in a timely manner and gets worse quickly, going straight to an emergency room could save your life.
One of the most common illnesses in ERs is pneumonia. A viral or bacterial infection, it’s characterized by chest pain and a cough that may bring up discolored mucus. It’s easily confused with a more serious condition, such as heart disease, so it’s best to see your doctor right away if you have these symptoms. Pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics; fortunately, it usually gets better on its own within one or two weeks. If not treated promptly, however, pneumonia can be deadly — especially for older people. TIP: If you start coughing up blood (or notice blood when you wipe your nose), don’t try treating yourself at home — instead head straight for an emergency room.
