“When does pneumonia become an emergency?”
I have pneumonia. I feel fine. When does pneumonia become an emergency?
3 Answers
EmergencyPhysicianEmergencyPhysician
Pneumonia becomes an emergency if:
- Degree of lung involvement is sufficient to interfere with respiratory function thus causing a drop in oxygen.
- The bacteria causing pneumonia accesses the bloodstream resulting in a shock/septic condition.
- It is occurring in people with prior chronic lung disease further interfering with an already limited lung function.
- Degree of lung involvement is sufficient to interfere with respiratory function thus causing a drop in oxygen.
- The bacteria causing pneumonia accesses the bloodstream resulting in a shock/septic condition.
- It is occurring in people with prior chronic lung disease further interfering with an already limited lung function.
When there is worsening of difficulty breathing, high fevers with confusion, or intractable pain. Also if the pneumonia is related to previous hospital admission that can be considered emergent.
Pneumonia can be an issue if your oxygen level is low or if you develop sepsis. Sepsis is when bacteria gets into your blood stream.
