Signs of pneumonia may include coughing, shortness of breath, fever, chills, weakness, appetite loss, and chest pain. While pneumonia can be effectively treated, people exhibiting symptoms need to visit medical clinics, their own primary care physicians, or if very ill, the hospital emergency department as soon as possible. Here are some treatment interventions medical clinic staff will implement if you present with signs of pneumonia. 

Administer Oxygen

If you have shortness of breath or trouble breathing, the physician or nurse will administer oxygen. Prior to administration, however, you may need to have a test known as an arterial blood gas test. This test measures oxygen levels in your blood, which will help the doctor determine how much oxygen you should get.

While you are receiving oxygen, your vital signs will be monitored and the physician will monitor your fingernails and lips for signs of cyanosis. This is a term that refers to a bluish tint that can develop on or around the lips and on the nail beds. If present, it may mean that your blood is not getting enough oxygen.

If you become cyanotic, your oxygen dose may be increased. Once your blood is well-oxygenated, the oxygen dose will be decreased. If cyanosis persists, a clinic staff member may call an ambulance to transport you to the nearest hospital for further treatment.

Nebulizer Inhalation Treatment

You may also receive a nebulizer treatment while at the medical clinic. A nebulizer is a device that delivers mucolytic medications in mist or steam form. A mucolytic medication is one that breaks up or thins mucus so that it can be expelled easier when you cough.

This helps clear the lungs so that a better pattern of breathing can be facilitated. Nebulizer treatments can also help relieve chest pain caused by pulmonary congestion. In addition to a mucolytic medication, your nebulizer may also contain a steroid drug to help decrease lung inflammation that is commonly associated with pneumonia.

Before the clinic physician discharges you from the facility, he or she will recommend that you make a follow-up appointment with your doctor, who may prescribe additional nebulizer treatments while you are recovering at home.

If you develop symptoms of pneumonia, see your doctor or visit a medical clinic as soon as possible. It is important to note, that if the physician determines that your pneumonia is bacterial in nature, he or she will prescribe antibiotics. Conversely, if you are diagnosed with viral pneumonia, antibiotics will not be prescribed. Antibiotics are only useful for infections caused by bacterial organisms, not viral causes.

For more information, reach out to a company like Davenshire Medical Center.