Imagine this: You have worked all day, made your way home home and are finally sitting down for dinner. But when you open the fridge to get started, you start to feel the chills and you cough. Is it just the cold air from the fridge or something more?

Many illnesses start with minor symptoms like this, which is why it is important to keep a close eye on how you feel and act accordingly. Certain illnesses like pneumonia need to be watched carefully as they can become dangerous rather quickly.

Our AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. team explains all about pneumonia below, so read on.

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a lung infection that settles into the alveoli within your lungs. Alveoli are the little sacs that have the important job of transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide through your blood. When they are infected, they fill up with fluid, which can make it really hard for them to function the way they need to.

This fluid buildup is what causes that classic deep, productive cough that pneumonia sufferers often experience. This cough usually produces mucus or phlegm as your body works to rid itself of the infection. In addition, it can cause difficulty breathing since your regular respiration process has been greatly interrupted.

Signs of Pneumonia

• Difficulty taking a full breath
• Deep cough with clear or green mucus
• Chest tightness
• Fever
• Body aches

Can I Treat Pneumonia at Home?

Sometimes! Pneumonia infections can be caused by a variety of things, including bacteria and viruses. If your pneumonia is viral and your symptoms stay mild, you can expect to feel better in several days and make a full recovery within two to four weeks.

For bacterial cases and severe pneumonia symptoms, a visit with your care team is recommended. Antibiotics may be necessary, or a hospital stay may even be recommended based on your symptoms. Since pneumonia infections can spread elsewhere in the body and cause life-threatening situations, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and be seen by a medical professional.

Signs of a Severe Pneumonia Infection

• High fever that lasts for days
• Chest pain
• Blood in your mucus
• Fatigue and confusion

Do you have a concerning cough? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. today.