What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs.

What causes pneumonia?

Many germs – such as bacteria, viruses and fungi – can cause pneumonia. You also can get pneumonia by inhaling a liquid or chemical. People most at risk are older than 65 or younger than 2 or already have health problems. 

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Symptoms may vary from mild to severe. See your health care provider promptly if you have:
  • High fever
  • Shaking chills
  • Cough with phlegm that doesn’t improve or gets worse
  • Shortness of breath with normal daily activities
  • Chest pain when you breathe or cough
  • Feel suddenly worse after a cold or cough 

How does Ohio State diagnose pneumonia?

Your doctor will use lab tests, your medical history and a physical exam to determine whether you have pneumonia. 

How does Ohio State treat pneumonia?

Treatment depends on what kind of pneumonia you have. If bacteria are the cause, then antibiotics should help. If you have viral pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine. Vaccines also are available to prevent pneumonia. Other preventive measures include frequent hand washing and not smoking. 

 

Our Providers

  • Sort by

  • Filter by

Carleen Spitzer, MD

Carleen Spitzer, MD

  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Physician

Associate Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
  • Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
(614) 293-4925
Matthew Exline, MD
4.9 out of 5

Matthew Exline, MD

  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Physician

Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
  • Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
(614) 293-4925
Stella Ogake, MB BCh

Stella Ogake, MB BCh

  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Physician

Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine

Accepting new patients
(614) 293-4925

Our Locations

Infectious Disease Care

in McCampbell Outpatient Care
1581 Dodd Drive
4th Floor Suite 400
Columbus, OH 43210
614-293-4854

Lung Care

in Outpatient Care East
543 Taylor Ave.
Columbus, OH 43203
614-688-6540

Lung Care

in Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care
2050 Kenny Road
Suite 2200
Columbus, OH 43221
614-293-4925

Subscribe. Get just the right amount of health and wellness in your inbox.