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Pneumonia

Emergency Room for Severe Pneumonia Treatment

Pneumonia is a serious illness that can cause severe breathing problems and organ failure if not treated properly and promptly. Our team at Prestige Emergency Room is skilled in pneumonia diagnosis and treatment in both adults and children. Our onsite labs and diagnostic imaging ensure fast, effective care with shorter wait times than a hospital-based ER. Prestige ER offers patients in San Antonio trusted care and optimal outcomes.

When to Go to the ER for Pneumonia

You should visit the ER right away if you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms of severe pneumonia:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Coughing with mucus.
  • Chest pain.
  • Confusion.
  • Fever.

When you have severe pneumonia, emergency treatment is essential. Untreated pneumonia can be life-threatening.

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is often caused by a bacteria or virus invading the lungs. The tiny air sacs (alveoli) inside the lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid, making breathing difficult, as the alveoli play an essential role in transferring oxygen from the lungs to the blood. Inflammation in the lungs usually causes coughing, and bleeding can occur within the lungs in a severe case of pneumonia. Fever and chills are also common.

Without treatment, the alveoli will continue to fill with fluid, significantly impairing oxygen intake and transfer and increasing the risk of organ damage throughout the body.

What Are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?

Common symptoms of pneumonia include:

  • Cough, often accompanied by phlegm or even blood.
  • Chills.
  • Fever (can be low or high).
  • Headache.
  • Sweating.
  • Fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath, especially with activity.
  • Chest pain when breathing in.
  • Bluish color in the lips or nail beds due to lack of oxygen (in severe pneumonia).

How Is Pneumonia Treated in the ER?

When you come to Prestige ER for pneumonia treatment, you can expect prompt care from our welcoming staff. Our team will ensure that you are in stable condition when you arrive. You can rest assured that we are fully equipped with emergency medical equipment if this is needed, including supplemental oxygen. Your provider will review your vital signs (including oxygen level, heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature) and discuss your symptoms.

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, which involves listening to your lungs using a stethoscope. Your doctor may order a chest X-ray to gather more information about your lungs. Bacterial pneumonia can often be seen on an X-ray.

Blood work is often done to check for markers of infection or to rule out other conditions. We may also collect a sample of your sputum (mucus from your airways) and send it to our onsite lab for analysis. Your provider will begin treatment as needed based on the results of your exam and diagnostic tests.

Medication is a primary treatment for bacterial pneumonia. Your provider may order an antibiotic to treat your infection based on their assessment and your lab results. This may be given orally or intravenously if indicated. In cases of severe pneumonia, hospitalization may be necessary for ongoing IV antibiotic therapy, supplemental oxygen, and respiratory support. In this case, Prestige ER will arrange to transport you directly to a hospital.

How Do I Prevent Pneumonia?

Vaccination is one effective way to prevent pneumonia. There are two primary pneumonia vaccines:

  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, including the PCV15 and PCV20.
  • The pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).

Pneumonia Vaccination for Adults

  • Per CDC recommendations, adults 65 years of age and older who have not had a PCV shot should have either the PCV15 or PCV20 vaccine.
  • If the PCV15 vaccine is used, it should be followed by the PPSV23 vaccine.
  • Those aged 19 through 64 with certain risk conditions should also receive the PCV15 or PCV20.
  • Adults who had an earlier version of the PCV (PCV7 or PCV13) should talk to their provider about options to complete their course of pneumococcal vaccines.
  • Adults 65 years or older who have received the PCV13 (but not PCV15 or PCV20) and received the PPSV23 at the age of 65 or older can have the PCV20 vaccine.

Pneumonia Vaccination for Children

  • The CDC recommends that children younger than 5 receive either the PCV15 or the PCV20 vaccine.
  • Children between the ages of 2 and 18 with certain health conditions may require additional vaccines.
  • Discuss any questions about your child’s pneumonia vaccination needs with your provider.

Choose Prestige ER for Pneumonia Treatment

When you need emergency treatment for pneumonia, choose Prestige ER. We are a trusted choice for premier emergency care in San Antonio. Our exceptional team can diagnose and treat a wide range of medical emergencies 24/7. Visit us at one of our four locations.