Pneumonia Care at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a very common acute lung problem that can range from mild to life-threatening, particularly in older adults, young children, and people with chronic lung conditions. It is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, leading to fluid or pus buildup. It can be caused by:

• Bacteria – Such as Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal pneumonia)
• Viruses – Including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19
• Fungi – More common in individuals with weakened immune systems; in Arizona, Valley Fever is a well-known fungal cause of pneumonia

If your immune system is impaired by certain medications or other chronic lung problems, you may be at increased risk for certain types of pneumonia.

Pneumonia Symptoms

Symptoms often develop quickly and vary in severity depending on the cause and the patient’s overall health. Common pneumonia symptoms include:

• Fever and chills – Often with sweating and shaking
• Cough – May produce phlegm (mucus)
• Shortness of breath – Especially with activity or lying down
• Chest pain – Sharp pain that worsens with deep breaths
• Fatigue and weakness – Persistent tiredness even with rest
• Loss of appetite and nausea – Particularly in older adults
• Confusion or dizziness – Can occur in elderly patients

If symptoms worsen, especially difficulty breathing, chest pain, or high fever, seek medical care immediately.

Pneumonia Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the type of pneumonia and the most effective treatment plan. At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, we use state-of-the-art diagnostics to assess lung infections and rule out other conditions that can mimic pneumonia. Our diagnostic tools include:

• Medical history and physical exam – Assessing symptoms, risk factors, and listening to lung sounds
• Chest X-ray – A key test to detect pneumonia and assess severity
• CT scan – Provides a more detailed lung image if pneumonia is difficult to detect on X-ray
• Blood tests – Identify bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
• Sputum culture – Analyzes mucus to determine the infectious organism
• Bronchoscopy – In complex cases, a small camera is used to examine the lungs and collect fluid samples.

Some cases of non-resolving pneumonia require a comprehensive blood workup to rule out conditions like lung cancer, Valley Fever, or chronic inflammatory diseases. Our pulmonologists specialize in these difficult-to-diagnose cases, ensuring you receive the right treatment for your condition.

Treatment of Pneumonia

The treatment approach depends on the cause of pneumonia, the patient’s overall health, and the severity of symptoms. At Arizona Pulmonary Specialists, our common treatment approaches include:

• Antibiotics – For bacterial pneumonia (most common treatment)
• Antiviral medications – Used for viral causes, such as influenza or COVID-19
• Antifungal medications – For fungal pneumonia, including Valley Fever
• Oxygen therapy – For severe cases where oxygen levels are low
• Hospitalization – Required for high-risk patients with severe symptoms or breathing difficulties

For patients at higher risk of complications, such as those with COPD, asthma, or immune suppression, we offer specialized monitoring and long-term lung health management.

Why Choose Arizona Pulmonary Specialists?

• Pneumonia experts – Experienced pulmonologists specializing in lung infections
• Advanced diagnostic testing – State-of-the-art imaging and lab tests for precise diagnosis
• Individualized treatment plans – Tailored care based on your specific condition
• Seamless care – Case management whether you need office visits or hospitalization

Physicians Specializing in Pneumonia

The lung doctors at Arizona Pulmonary Specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia. Our team of doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists is dedicated to accurate diagnoses, targeted treatments, and long-term lung health.