Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs in one or both lungs to become inflamed and filled with fluid or pus. This infection makes it difficult for you to breathe and can be caused by various factors, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungus.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Pneumonia symptoms can develop suddenly or gradually and vary depending on the cause, age, and overall health. Common symptoms include:
- Cough, sometimes producing mucus or phlegm
- Fever and chills
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing
- Fatigue and weakness
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting, particularly in some cases
- Confusion, especially in older adults
In babies, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems, pneumonia may sometimes cause less typical symptoms, such as unusual tiredness, confusion, or low body temperature.
What are the causes of pneumonia?
Viral pneumonia. This type is usually caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV infection usually begins with mild illness and then worsens over time. Infants younger than six months have difficulty fighting off the infection because their immune system is not fully developed yet. Symptoms include high fever, fast breathing, poor feeding, lethargy, irritability, and coughing.
Bacterial pneumonia. The most common types of bacterial pneumonia are:
Klebsiella Pneumoniae (gram-negative bacteria that is associated with different types of infection, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections),
Streptococcus pneumoniae (bacteria that is usually found in the nose and throat. and can cause severe illness in children, the elderly and other people with weakened immune systems. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of middle ear infections, blood infection in children and pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals and the elderly)
Mycoplasma pneumonia (a type of bacteria that causes many diseases ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to severe atypical pneumonia).
This type is more severe and may result in sepsis, a life-threatening complication. Septic shock is characterized by high fever, elevated white blood count, and low blood pressure. Patients who develop septic shock require intensive care and sometimes even mechanical ventilation.
Fungal pneumonia. This type is most common in patients with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, as well as people who are exposed fungi from contaminated soil or bird droppings.
How is pneumonia treated?
Treatment options are determined by the severity of your pneumonia. Whatever the cause of pneumonia, people should get plenty of rest, take the prescribed medications, and stay hydrated. To help control the symptoms, the doctor may prescribe coughing medicine or over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
The pulmonologist may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, antiviral medication for viral pneumonia, and antifungal medication for fungal pneumonia. Hospitalization may be required for patients with severe cases of pneumonia so that intravenous antibiotics and fluids may be given to them, as well as oxygen supplementation.
Pneumonia Treatment Steps
- Medical assessment and diagnosis – The doctor reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical examination. Tests such as a chest X-ray, blood tests, or oxygen measurement may be recommended.
- Identify the likely cause – Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms. Treatment is selected based on the suspected cause and severity.
- Start appropriate treatment – Bacterial pneumonia may require antibiotics. Viral or fungal pneumonia may require different medicines, while some cases are managed mainly with supportive care.
- Manage symptoms – Adequate fluids, rest, and appropriate medicines for fever or discomfort can help with recovery. Cough medicines should only be used when recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Oxygen or hospital care when needed – People with low oxygen levels, severe breathing difficulties, or serious complications may need oxygen therapy or hospitalization.
- Follow-up and recovery – The doctor monitors improvement and may recommend follow-up if symptoms persist or worsen. Recovery can take several weeks, depending on the person’s health and severity of pneumonia.
Seek urgent medical attention for severe difficulty breathing, bluish lips or skin, confusion, severe chest pain, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Pneumonia Consultant and Treatment Fees in Dubai and Abu Dhabi
The cost of pneumonia consultation and treatment in Dubai and Abu Dhabi varies depending on the specialist, severity of the infection, diagnostic tests, medications, and whether hospitalization is required.
| Service | Dubai | Abu Dhabi |
|---|---|---|
| Consultant consultation | AED 300–800 | AED 250–1,000 |
| Chest X-ray | AED 80–500 | AED 100–500 |
| Blood tests | AED 100–400+ | AED 100–500+ |
| Outpatient pneumonia treatment | AED 400–1,500+ | AED 350–1,500+ |
| Hospital treatment | AED 3,000–10,000+ per day | AED 3,000–10,000+ per day |
Schedule your appointment at Novomed today!
If you are experiencing breathing problems and chest pain, make an appointment with novomed expert pulmonologist in Dubai to learn more about your condition and treatment options.
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