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  1. UAMS Health
  2. Conditions
  3. Pneumonia

Condition: Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that can cause one or both lungs to fill up with fluid or pus, causing coughing, breathing problems and fever. This infection can be caused by germs such as bacteria, viruses and even fungi that enter your body. You can contract pneumonia when these germs enter your system while your immune system is weak, the germ is very strong or your body fails to filter the germs.

Recognizing Pneumonia

Symptoms of pneumonia include but are not limited to the following:

  • High fever
  • Chills
  • Cough with phlegm (greenish, yellow or bloody mucus)
  • Low energy or fatigue
  • Lack of appetite or nausea
  • Rapid pulse
  • Rapid breathing
  • Heavy perspiring
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain when breathing or coughing
  • Feel suddenly worse after a cold or the flu
  • Confused mental state or delirium
  • Diarrhea

The most common type of pneumonia is bacterial pneumonia, which is caused by various bacteria. It usually occurs when the body is weakened by illness, malnutrition, age or impaired immunity.

Who Is at Risk for Pneumonia?

Pneumonia can affect people of all ages, but those at great risk are infants 2 years old or younger and people 65 years old or older. Infants with pneumonia may experience different symptoms than those 65 and older.

Others who are at a higher risk for pneumonia include:

  • Postoperative patients
  • Those with respiratory disease or viral infections
  • Those who are debilitated
  • Those exposed to certain chemicals, pollutants, or toxic fumes

Other risk factors include:

  • Smoking
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Weakened immune system
  • Malnutrition

Diagnosis and Treatment

If you believe you may have pneumonia and want a proper diagnosis, visit your doctor. However, pneumonia may be hard to diagnose because it is similar to a cold or the flu. The following are tests that your doctor may perform to diagnose pneumonia:

  • Physical exam
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Chest X-ray
  • Blood tests

If you are diagnosed with pneumonia, your doctor may treat you with antibiotics or antiviral medicine. If your symptoms are severe, you may receive oxygen therapy to restore oxygen to your bloodstream.

Because pneumonia can be serious and even life-threatening, it’s important to take steps to prevent the infection. The following are ways you can protect yourself:

  • Vaccinate
  • Wash your hands often
  • Don’t smoke
  • Get plenty of sleep
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Be physically active
  • Avoid contact with those who are sick

Providers Treating Pneumonia

Note that every provider listed below may not perform or prescribe all treatments or procedures related to Pneumonia. Review each provider for availability.

Jon K. Allen, PA Physician Assistant

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Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D.

Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Mary J. Burgess, M.D.

Mary J. Burgess, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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John L. Carroll, M.D. Pediatric Pulmonologist

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Ryan K. Dare, M.D.

Ryan K. Dare, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Mitchell B. Jenkins, M.D.

Mitchell B. Jenkins, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Hazel K. 'Kathy' Liverett, M.D.

Hazel K. "Kathy" Liverett, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Kristine L. Patterson, M.D.

Kristine L. Patterson, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Juan Carlos Rico Crescencio, M.D.

Juan Carlos Rico Crescencio, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Michael Saccente, M.D.

Michael Saccente, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Keyur S. Vyas, M.D.

Keyur S. Vyas, M.D. Infectious Diseases Specialist

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Locations Where Providers Treat Pneumonia

Exterior of Outpatient Center

Infectious Diseases Clinic

4110 Outpatient Circle
Outpatient Center
Second Floor, Suite 2P
Little Rock, AR 72205

Appointment Phone Number
(501) 686-8000
New and Returning Patients
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Areas of Expertise for Pneumonia

Image of a male doctor examining a young girl as her mother sits nearby.

Primary Care

Primary care is a term used to describe the setting in which a health care provider acts as the first point of consultation for a patient. The term “PCP” can …

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Make an Appointment

Request an appointment by contacting a clinic directly or by calling the UAMS Health appointment line at (501) 686-8000.

UAMS Health LogoUAMS HealthUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Mailing Address: 4301 West Markham Street, Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: (501) 686-7000
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