Pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both lungs. While many cases can be treated outside the hospital, some can become serious and require emergency medical care. Recognizing the warning signs of severe pneumonia can help you know when it’s time to seek immediate treatment.
This guide explains which pneumonia symptoms should prompt a visit to the emergency room, who is at greater risk for complications and what to expect if emergency care is needed. If you ever find yourself in this situation, Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals have multiple locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, providing prompt emergency medical services close to home.
Pneumonia Symptoms: Mild, Urgent or Emergency?
The most effective way to tell the difference between a mild case of pneumonia and one that needs urgent medical attention is by assessing the symptoms. These vary based on several factors, including the root cause, your age and your overall health. Knowing the mild, urgent and emergency symptoms can help you decide whether your pneumonia needs emergency care or a regular doctor’s appointment.
Mild Pneumonia Symptoms
These symptoms suggest you have a mild or regular case of pneumonia. It still should be taken seriously, as it can cause complications without proper treatment, but it likely doesn’t require a trip to the ER. Common symptoms resemble a cold or flu, and include the following:
- You develop a cough, which may also produce mucus.
- You feel a slight discomfort in your chest when you cough.
- You have a moderate fever.
- You lack energy.
- Even minor physical activity leaves you short of breath.
- You don’t have much of an appetite.
Urgent Pneumonia Symptoms
These symptoms indicate a more serious case of pneumonia. While it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should call 911, you should seek a medical evaluation as soon as possible if you experience the following:
- You have a high fever that doesn’t go away despite taking medication.
- Your cough is getting worse and produces thick mucus.
- The slight shortness of breath you were initially experiencing is now significantly worse.
- You feel very weak and are unable to perform your regular daily activities.
Emergency Pneumonia Symptoms
When pneumonia becomes a medical emergency, a delay in treatment can potentially lead to permanent damage. These pneumonia warning signs should prompt you to seek immediate emergency care:
- You have major difficulty breathing.
- You feel intense pain in your chest with every breath.
- Your lips, fingertips or entire face are turning blue.
- You develop confusion or disorientation.
- You’re extremely fatigued and having trouble staying awake.
- You have symptoms that may indicate a major infection, such as very low blood pressure.
Who Is Most at Risk for Pneumonia Complications?
While severe pneumonia can happen to anyone, certain groups tend to be more at risk than others. These groups are:
- Infants, young children and seniors over 65
- People with chronic lung illnesses
- People with diabetes or heart disease
- Those with weakened immune systems due to cancer, HIV, organ transplants or immunosuppressing medications
- People with chronic kidney or liver disease
- Heavy smokers
Emergency Diagnostic Services for Pneumonia
If you experience severe pneumonia-like symptoms and go to the ER, the first thing the emergency medical team is likely to do is confirm the diagnosis and determine its root cause. Some procedures they may perform include:
- Physical examination: Once you get to the ER, the team will likely assess your breathing, temperature and heart rate.
- Imaging and blood tests: Chest X-rays or CT scans can help identify areas of infection, while blood tests can help evaluate infection, dehydration and signs of complications such as sepsis.
- Oxygen level assessment: The emergency team will evaluate your oxygen levels to determine whether oxygen therapy or other supportive treatment is needed.
- Microbiological testing: Physicians may test blood or respiratory samples to identify specific bacterial, viral or fungal root causes.
Common Causes of Pneumonia
The treatment for pneumonia depends on what caused it. The main causes are:
- Bacterial: Most pneumonia cases are caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antibiotics will usually take care of it.
- Viral: Some cases are caused by viruses. Antibiotics won’t have any effect, but antiviral medication will likely be effective.
- Mycoplasma: These are neither viruses nor bacteria but can still cause pneumonia. These infections are often milder than other forms of pneumonia but still require medical evaluation and may be treated with antibiotics.
- Fungal: This less common form may affect people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems. Antifungal medication for the specific type of fungus can resolve it, but severe cases may require ongoing monitoring and treatment.
- Aspiration pneumonia: This is caused by inhaling food, drink, vomit or saliva into the lungs. A mix of antibiotics and oxygen therapy or other supportive respiratory care may be needed to resolve it.
Get Pneumonia Emergency Care in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
If you or a loved one has severe trouble breathing, shortness of breath while resting, new or worsening chest pain, confusion, extreme drowsiness, blue or gray lips or skin, severe dehydration or symptoms that are rapidly getting worse, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. For emergency care information in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, visit a Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospitals location near you. We’re located in Aubrey, Burleson, Colleyville, Grand Prairie, Keller, Mansfield, Murphy and Rockwall.