If You Have Pneumonia Will You Have A Fever

Can You Have Pneumonia With 98% Oxygen Saturation

Hi all,

My first post on this forum. I am suffering from bad health anxiety these days just like many others.

I’m wondering if it’s possible to have pneumonia with a normal oxygen saturation of 98%?

It all started with a fever 6 weeks ago. The fever itself only lasted 2 days but since then I’ve had a wet cough , fatigue, anxiety, feel like I’m short of breath doing light exercises.

I’ve been sleeping very poorly with many sleepless nights at the start. Now I can manage around 6 hours of interrupted sleep per night with the help of Valerian and Melatonin. The poor sleep certainly isn’t helping my recovery. It’s only now that the wet cough seems to be going away.

The past 3-4 weeks or so I struggle to sleep more than 2-3 hours at a time. Quite often I would wake up breathing quite heavily or faster than usual.

I’m was concerned that I might have a mild form of pneumonia. Doctor advised me to buy a pulse oximeter which I did today. I tested myself and my SpO2 level is average 98%, reading between 97-99%.

So basically my current symptoms are fatigue, lack of sleep, minor throat irritation with little mucus, and breathing issues. The breathing issues is partly psychological but I’m concerned that there is something wrong with my lungs.

Thanks for any input.

Besides Vaccination What Else Can I Do To Prevent Bacterial And Viral Pneumonia

Receiving all recommended vaccinations is one of the best ways to prevent pneumonia. Additionally, there are several other ways to prevent pneumonia, including:

• Quitting smoking, and avoiding secondhand smoke. Smoking damages your lungs.
• Washing your hands before eating, before handling food, after using the restroom, and after being outside. If soap is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoiding being around people who are sick. Ask them to visit when they are feeling better.
• Not touching or sharing objects that are shared with others. Germs can be transferred from object to you if you touch your nose or mouth without washing or sanitizing your hands first.
• Eating a healthy diet, exercise, and get enough rest. Healthy habits keep your immune system strong.
• Getting treated for any other infections or health conditions you may have. These conditions could weaken your immune system, which could increase your chance of infections.
• Avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol.

When Should I See My Doctor

Pneumonia can be life-threatening if left untreated, especially for certain at-risk people. You should call your doctor if you have a cough that wont go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a fever. You should also call your doctor if you suddenly begin to feel worse after having a cold or the flu.

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How Soon After Treatment For Pneumonia Will I Begin To Feel Better

How soon you will feel better depends on several factors, including:

• Your age
• The cause of your pneumonia
• The severity of your pneumonia
• If you have other at-risk conditions

If you are generally healthy, most symptoms of bacterial pneumonia usually begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours after starting treatment. Symptoms of viral pneumonia usually begin to improve within a few days after starting treatment. A cough can last for several weeks. Most people report being tired for about a month after contracting pneumonia.

How Long Is Pneumonia Contagious After Antibiotics Treatment

The contagious period for pneumonia depends on how soon you start treatment. As noted above, you may still be contagious for about 24 to 48 hours after starting a course of antibiotics. That said, certain bacterial infections may leave you contagious after more than two weeks of antibiotic treatment.

Its important to complete the entire course of antibiotics with no days missedif not, you might still have some pathogens lingering, which could start up the infection again and make you contagious again.

Many people walk around with the illness without knowing it, and the best way to prevent spreading it to others is to start a treatment of antibiotics as soon as possible.

If, after a cold or flu, you notice that your symptoms havent disappeared or subsided in a weeks time, be sure to visit the doctor to be tested for pneumonia. Many people walk around with the illness without knowing it, and the best way to prevent spreading it to others is to start a treatment of antibiotics as soon as possible.

If you really want to play it safe for the sake of those around you, you could always act as though youre contagious for up to two weeks afterward by refraining from contact, covering your nose and mouth if you sneeze, and washing your hands frequently.

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What Is The Outlook For Pneumonia

People who are otherwise healthy often recover quickly when given prompt and proper care. However, pneumonia is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated and especially for those individuals at increased risk for pneumonia.

Even patients who have been successfully treated and have fully recovered may face long-term health issues. Children who have recovered from pneumonia have an increased risk of chronic lung diseases. Adults may experience:

• General decline in quality of life for months or years

How Long Is Pneumonia Contagious

Is pneumonia contagious in adults? Just like colds and the flu, pneumonia can be contagious by spreading droplets of infectious liquid into the environment, e.g., through coughing or tactile transmission.

Its difficult to pinpoint exactly when pneumonia becomes contagious, because it depends on what caused it, so it could be anywhere from two days to two weeks following exposure to the pathogen.

Generally speaking, most cases of pneumonia are less contagious about 24 to 48 hours after antibiotics have been introduced.

In viral cases of pneumonia, the risk for spreading can go down once symptoms have begun to recede. But even if the fever has disappeared for two days, its still possible for symptoms to spread, so be careful. Basically, its a good idea to steer clear of people who have pneumonia and if youve got pneumonia, then stay away from people and public places while youre fighting it off.

Pneumonia is contagious in babies as it is in adults, but there is a preventative measure mothers can employ that will help: breastfeeding. Breastfeeding allows the mother to pass on antigens to her baby in breastmilk, and these will help fight off bacteria and viruses by inducing a positive immune response in the baby.

Babies usually get a milder form of pneumonia called walking pneumonia. We will explore this further, below.

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It Might Feel Like A Cold

Walking pneumonia is how some people describe a mild case of pneumonia. Your doctor might call it âatypical pneumoniaâ because itâs not like more serious cases.

A lung infection is often to blame. Lots of things can cause it, including:

• Bacteria
• Inhaled food

Walking pneumonia usually is due to bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

You probably wonât have to stay in bed or in the hospital. You might even feel good enough go to work and keep up your routine, just as you might with a cold.

How You Catch Pneumonia

While anyone can catch pneumonia, some people are more likely to come down with illness when coming into contact with the germs. Like many other illnesses, pneumonia is caught through contact with the bacteria or virus that creates pneumonia.

Coughing and sneezing are the most common ways these germs spread.

Its also possible to catch the illness by touching something like a counter or door handle, sharing cups and utensils, and touching your face without washing your hands first.

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What Increases Your Risk Of Developing Pneumonia

Risk factors that can leave you more susceptible to pneumonia include:

• Smokingcigarette smoking is the strongest risk factor for healthy young people.
• Medical conditions affecting the lungs like asthma, COPD , bronchiectasis, or cystic fibrosis
• Being younger than 1 or older than 65
• Having a weakened immune system
• Taking proton-pump inhibitor medications like Prilosec or Protonix that reduce stomach acid
• Excessive alcohol use

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent fever/continuous chills

Pneumonia can be life-threatening if not treated, and even mild cases can linger for months without treatment. Its best to get examined if your symptoms last for a few days, and even more important if youre experiencing any of the issues mentioned above.

Do You Always Have A Fever With Pneumonia

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How Can I Tell If I Have Pneumonia Versus The Common Cold Or The Flu

Do I have a cold or could it be the flu or even pneumonia? Its tough to tell the difference but critical to know when to seek medical care

Watch for these ongoing symptoms that occur in pneumonia:

• Serious congestion or chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• A fever of 102 or higher.
• Coughing that produces pus.

Pneumonia symptoms last longer than cold and flu. If your symptoms arent severe, its okay to try such home remedies as getting more rest, drinking more fluids and taking some over-the-counter medicines and see what happens. But if you dont see improvement in your symptoms after three to five days, or if you are experiencing more serious symptoms such as dizziness or severe difficulty breathing, see your healthcare provider. Dont let it go. Pneumonia-like symptoms in very young children or in adults older than 65 are a cause for concern. Also, pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage if left untreated for too long. And always seek immediate care if you experience chest pain or have breathing difficulties.

Symptoms That Differentiate Pneumonia From The Common Cold2

When you are looking at the signs and symptoms of pneumonia versus a cold, it is helpful to look at duration, severity and types of symptoms. Unlike pneumonia, cold symptoms often do not require that you stay home sick, and generally, the symptoms of a cold are not severe enough to warrant a call to your doctor. If your symptoms last longer than 10 days, come on suddenly and/or grow increasingly severe, you should contact your physician as soon as possible as you may have pneumonia. After reviewing the following 12 signs and symptoms of pneumonia, it should be easier for you to differentiate it from the symptoms of a common cold.So what does pneumonia feel like?

• Fever, often high
• Shivering that may be accompanied by teeth-chattering chills
• Cough that is likely to be worse than the mild cough you may experience with a cold
• Mucus that may be rusty, green or blood-tinged
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting, especially in small children
• Diarrhea
• Confusion, particularly in older people
• Sharp pain in the chest that worsens when you take a deep breath or cough

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Signs Of Pneumonia In Small Children And Older Adults

If you see signs and symptoms of pneumonia in your small child, it is important to see your doctor right away. Pneumonia is the number one most common reason for children in the United States to be hospitalized, and is the worlds leading cause of death for children under 5 years old. If you have any doubts about whether your young child may have pneumonia, seek medical attention just in case.

Older people are at a higher risk of developing and dying from pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia in older adults may be different than those in their younger counterparts. They may be fewer or less severe,may not include a fever and a cough may not produce mucus. One of the primary symptoms of pneumonia in older folks is confusion or delirium. You may also see a bluish tinge to the lips and fingertips. Those with pre-existing lung conditions may become sicker faster than those with healthier lungs.

If you recognize any of the pneumonia warning signs mentioned above, contact your doctor as soon as possible for a thorough physical examination and diagnostic testing.

In Older Adults And Children

Older adults may have different, fewer, or milder symptoms, such as having no fever or having a cough with no mucus . The major sign of pneumonia in older adults may be a change in how clearly they think or when a lung disease they already have gets worse.

In children, symptoms may depend on age:

• In infants younger than 1 month of age, symptoms may include having little or no energy , feeding poorly, grunting, or having a fever.
• In children, symptoms of pneumonia are often the same as in adults. Your doctor will look for signs such as a cough and a faster breathing rate.

Some conditions with symptoms similar to pneumonia include bronchitis, COPD, and tuberculosis.

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When Should Someone Seek Medical Care For Bacterial Pneumonia

When to call the doctor

• If you have a fever and cough up yellow, green, or brown sputum, make an appointment with your doctor.
• If you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or confusion, you should seek emergency care.
• If you are healthy, you can safely make an appointment to see your doctor. It is best to contact your physician if you have concerns about possible pneumonia.

When to go to the hospital

• If you have shortness of breath, you should always seek emergency care. Shortness of breath is not simply the feeling that you can’t take a full breath shortness of breath means that you cannot take in enough air to meet your body’s needs. It is a potentially serious symptom and always requires a visit to an emergency department, no matter how healthy you are.
• If you have chest pain or confusion, you should seek emergency care.
• You are at higher risk of developing pneumonia if you have the following:
• a chronic health problem, such as diabetes
• a poor immune system because of HIV, AIDS, steroid use, or immune-suppressant medications
• diseased or damaged lungs, such as with asthma or emphysema
• are very young or very old
• or you have had your spleen removed.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Bacterial Versus Viral Pneumonia In Adults

Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild sometimes called walking pneumonia to severe. How serious your case of pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, your overall health, and your age.

Bacterial pneumonia: Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Tiredness

Additional symptoms appearing about a day later include:

• Higher fever
• Shortness of breath

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Treatment And Medication Options For Pneumonia

A lot of treatment aspects, as well as outcome, depend on the person, as well as the type of pneumonia they have, says Dr. Barron. Sometimes youll be fine just resting, but if you have things like trouble breathing, you should get to a doctor right away.

Your doctor will outline a plan that’s specific to you, considering the type of pneumonia you have, the severity of the condition, your age, and your overall health. From there, you’ll know whether you can be treated at home or need to go to the hospital, and whether you require antibiotics.

Complications And Risk Factors

Pneumonia can sometimes cause serious complications and become life-threatening. Potential complications can include:

• breathing difficulties or even respiratory failure, which can require being placed on a ventilator in order to get oxygen
• worsening of chronic lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• fluid accumulation in the lungs, which can become infected and may need to be drained
• lung abscess, which is the formation of a pocket of pus in your lung
• bacteremia, when bacteria spread into your bloodstream, possibly leading to

People that may be at risk for more serious symptoms or complications include:

• children under 2 years old
• adults over 65 years old

There are several types of pneumonia. They can be classified by how you get the infection.

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What Can I Do At Home To Feel Better

In addition to taking any antibiotics and/or medicine your doctor prescribes, you should also:

• Get lots of rest. Rest will help your body fight the infection.
• Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids will keep you hydrated. They can help loosen the mucus in your lungs. Try water, warm tea, and clear soups.
• Stop smoking if you smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Smoke can make your symptoms worse. Smoking also increases your risk of developing pneumonia and other lung problems in the future. You should also avoid lit fireplaces or other areas where the air may not be clean.
• Stay home from school or work until your symptoms go away. This usually means waiting until your fever breaks and you arent coughing up mucus. Ask your doctor when its okay for you to return to school or work.
• Use a cool-mist humidifier or take a warm bath. This will help clear your lungs and make it easier for you to breathe.

Cover Your Mouth And Nose

While the preferred method for covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze is into a tissue, not everyone can get to tissues in time when the urge to cough or sneeze hits. If you have the urge to cough or sneezeand a tissue isnt availablethe next best thing is to cover your mouth or nose with the inside of your elbow.

Coughing or sneezing into your elbow will decrease the chances of your leaving traces of your infection on door handles, faucets, or anything else you touch.

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