Pneumonia

When the lungs are attacked by infection

Pneumonia develops because of infection in the lungs caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. The air sacs within your lungs grow highly inflamed, making normal breathing nearly impossible because it's harder for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. Symptoms often grow worse over time, especially if you don't get treatment quickly. Left untreated, pneumonia can be fatal.

Common symptoms

• Persistent cough
• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain when you try to take a deep breath
• Extreme fatigue or exhaustion
• Loss of appetite
• Headache
• Confusion, primarily in elderly pneumonia sufferers

How we can help

A pneumonia diagnosis depends on the exact symptoms you're experiencing. At North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, Dr. Mahmood will perform a complete physical exam, perform blood tests to look for signs of infection, administer a chest X-ray, and check your airways using an instrument known as a bronchoscope.

Treatment varies based on both the cause of the pneumonia and how severe it is. In most cases, Dr. Mahmood may prescribe oral antibiotics to kill the bacteria that caused the infection. If there's currently a flu outbreak in your area, you might need antiviral medicine as well as antibiotics. Depending upon the severity of your pneumonia, the doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid medicine to reduce inflammation.

Committed to your pulmonary health

With our two convenient locations in Clifton and Ridgewood, NJ, Dr. Mahmood and his staff are dedicated to effectively treating pneumonia, in order to restore you to better health. Please reach out to our office to make an appointment at (973) 321-1670.