Pneumonia Specialist
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Loudoun Walk In Medical Center
Internists & Urgent Care located in Ashburn, VA
Pneumonia is a severe lung infection that can linger on for weeks before you start feeling better. The sooner you begin treatment, the more likely you are to shorten pneumonia’s duration or severity. With his extensive Internal Medicine and Pediatric background, Fuad Alykhan, MD can help diagnose and treat pneumonia. Come in for an your exam at Loudoun Walk In Medical Center in Ashburn, Virginia. Our hours are convenient for a prompt diagnosis. You can also walk in for urgent pneumonia symptoms during the clinic’s extended hours.
Pneumonia Q & A
Why do I have pneumonia?
Just like with other viral or bacterial infections, pneumonia is highly contagious. It develops when you breathe pneumonia germs into your lungs when you’re near someone else who's infected.
Sometimes, pneumonia develops as a secondary illness after coming down with severe colds or the flu. You’re more likely to develop pneumonia if you have:
- Asthma or allergies
- Heart disease
- Type I or Type II diabetes
- Certain types of cancer
Because your immune system isn’t as strong when you have these chronic conditions — or if you’re elderly — your lungs might not be able to fight the infection, which ultimately leaves you prone to having pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Pneumonia symptoms that stem from bacteria develop quickly, whereas symptoms of viral infections occur slowly and are less apparent. In either case, signs and symptoms are similar. You may have pneumonia if you experience:
- Chest pain that worsens with coughing
- Fast breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fast heartbeat
Many pneumonia sufferers also shake, and experience chills so severe that their teeth chatter. As the infection worsens, breathing and simply catching your breath become increasingly difficult.
How is pneumonia treated?
Dr. Alykhan may order a blood draw and/or a chest X-ray to get a clear idea of what’s causing your case of pneumonia. Once he knows the cause, he can get you started on treatment right away.
If you have bacterial pneumonia, you’re likely going to benefit from antibiotic medications. With either bacterial or viral pneumonia, Dr. Alykhan works with you to manage symptoms, since there isn’t a single treatment or cure.
Part of your treatment can include:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Using a humidifier or vaporizer
- Drinking more clear fluids
- Taking cough syrup or other medications
- Using an inhaler
Usually, pneumonia resolves within 2-3 weeks, or possibly sooner if you start treatment early. But if you’re a smoker, you can worsen your symptoms and delay pneumonia recovery by smoking. Dr. Alykhan might help you try to quit if this is the case.
If you think you have pneumonia and need treatment, come visit us at Loudoun Walk In Medical Center for an exam and evaluation as soon as possible.
