Discover Personalized Treatment Plans for Pneumonia at North Jersey Pulmonary Associates

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

At North Jersey Pulmonary Associates, we firmly believe good communication is vital to building long-lasting and trusting partnerships in care. We strive to address every question and concern our patients may have so they always feel well-informed, valued, and comfortable. We welcome your inquiries and look forward to telling your more about the treatments we provide.

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Why does cold air make it harder to breathe?

Cold, dry air can irritate the airways and cause them to tighten, especially for patients with asthma or other lung conditions. This can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, or chest discomfort during colder months.

Can dry air or using a humidifier affect my lungs?

Yes - both overly dry air and excess humidity can impact your respiratory system. Dry air may irritate your airways, while too much humidity can promote mold or allergens. Finding the right balance is important for lung health.

Can strong smells or odors trigger breathing problems?

Certain odors, chemicals, or environmental irritants can trigger symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, particularly in individuals with asthma or sensitive airways.

What are the most common signs of sleep apnea?

Common symptoms include loud snoring, gasping during sleep, daytime fatigue, morning headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Many patients don’t realize they have sleep apnea until evaluated by a specialist.

Do I need a sleep study if I snore?

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, but persistent or loud snoring - especially with other symptoms - may require a sleep study to properly diagnose and treat the condition.

When should I be concerned about a chronic cough?

A cough lasting more than 8 weeks is considered chronic and should be evaluated. It may be related to asthma, GERD, infections, or other lung conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment.

Why do I feel short of breath even when resting?

Shortness of breath at rest can be caused by a variety of conditions, including asthma, COPD, anxiety, or other pulmonary issues. A thorough evaluation can help determine the underlying cause.

Can asthma develop later in life?

Yes - adult-onset asthma is more common than many people realize. Symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness should be evaluated, even if you’ve never had asthma before.

What does a pulmonologist treat?

A pulmonologist specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the lungs and respiratory system, including asthma, COPD, chronic cough, sleep apnea, and more.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit typically includes a review of your symptoms, medical history, and possibly diagnostic testing such as pulmonary function tests. This helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Pneumonia