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urgent care

Pneumonia

Urgent Care for Pneumonia in Connecticut and New York

What Is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a serious condition that results from a bacterial, fungal, protozoal, or viral infection within the lungs. When the immune system attacks one of these infections, it can cause one or both lungs to become inflamed, swell, and produce excess fluids, which can in turn make it difficult to breathe.

Numerous types of infections can lead to pneumonia, including:

  • The common cold
  • COVID-19
  • Influenza (the flu)
  • Legionnaires’ disease
  • Pneumococcal disease
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Medical providers may further categorize pneumonia as either hospital-acquired pneumonia (developed within a hospital or healthcare facility), ventilator-associated pneumonia (developed while on a respirator), healthcare-associated pneumonia (developed in an outpatient clinic or a long-term care facility), community-acquired pneumonia (developed outside of a healthcare facility), or aspiration pneumonia (developed when liquids, solid food, saliva, or vomit enter the lungs and cause an infection).

How Can You Tell if You Have Pneumonia?

Only a trained medical provider can supply you with an accurate diagnosis. With that said, some common pneumonia symptoms include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Coughing (sometimes with bloody or discolored phlegm)
  • Chest pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Increased heart rate
  • Congestion
  • Fever (but note that some individuals experience an abnormally low body temperature)
  • Sweating
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Confusion
  • Blue-tinted skin, lips, or fingernails

Certain types of infections can produce their own set of pneumonia symptoms. For example, in addition to the symptoms listed above, viral pneumonia may cause a headache and muscle pain.

What Does Pneumonia Treatment Involve?

Pneumonia treatment varies from one person to another depending on numerous factors, including symptom severity and the type of infection involved. For instance, while a medical provider would likely prescribe antibiotic medication to treat bacterial pneumonia, they wouldn’t order it for someone with viral pneumonia.

Depending on your specific circumstances, a clinician may recommend:

  • Taking prescription or over-the-counter medication
  • Using a humidifier
  • Performing breathing exercises
  • Using oxygen therapy
  • Drinking plenty of fluids
  • Receiving intravenous (IV) fluids
  • Resting

Especially severe cases of pneumonia may require surgery to drain excess fluid from between the lungs and the chest wall.

Visit Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care for Pneumonia Treatment

If you’re struggling to breathe while sitting still, you have new or worsening chest pain, you’re having trouble thinking clearly, or you’re experiencing any other life-threatening symptoms, be sure to call 911 or get to a nearby hospital as soon as possible. For less serious symptoms, you can rely on Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care for pneumonia treatment.

Visit the Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care location nearest you today for pneumonia treatment—we’re open 365 days per year during extended hours, and we always accept walk-in patients. Or, if you’d prefer to remain at home, take advantage of our 24/7 integrated telehealth service. Whichever option you choose, we look forward to providing you with professional, fast, and friendly urgent care.

quote icon

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the attention you gave me last week.

My son was started on antibiotics and ear drops. Within 24 hours he began to feel better. The poor kid had been going to school in tears because he was afraid of missing any more days, but feeling (and looking) just awful! He's not been able to even think about lacrosse practice, but thanks to starting him on antibiotics, he was thrilled to return to practice today.

Patient: Somers, NY

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you associated with any hospitals?

We are proudly associated with Yale New Haven Health in Connecticut and New York. We, also, work collaboratively with local providers, including your primary care or specialty doctor, across Connecticut and New York.

What are your staff’s qualifications?

Our experienced providers are trained in emergency, family, and internal medicine. In fact, you’ll find many are the same experts who have treated patients in local area hospitals.

How much will my visit cost?

Fees vary, though are significantly lower than a visit to the emergency room and generally the same or slightly higher than a visit to your primary care doctor.

If you have insurance, the total charges will be determined based on your insurance provider’s policy regarding urgent care and the level of care you receive during your visit with us. If you have further questions, please contact your insurance company.

For information on the estimated cost of a self-pay visit, please call your local Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care center.

If you have a question regarding billing, please visit our Billing & Insurance page to learn more.

To pay your bill online visit our Pay My Bill page.

Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major insurances. Your co-pay is collected and required at the time of service. Please visit our Accepted Insurance page for more information.