Pneumonia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pneumonia?
A primary care doctor often diagnoses and treats pneumonia, a lung infection. A pulmonologist, a doctor who treats lung diseases, may help with serious cases or pneumonia that keeps coming back. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs. It causes the air sacs of your lungs to fill up with fluid or pus. It can range from mild to severe, depending on what caused it, your age, and your overall health.
Symptoms
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They include:
- Fever
- Chills
- A cough, usually with phlegm, which is thick mucus made in your lungs
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain when you breathe or cough
- Nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea
Newborns and infants may not show any signs of the infection. Older adults and people who have serious illnesses or weak immune systems may have fewer and milder symptoms. Older adults with pneumonia sometimes feel weak or suddenly get confused.
Causes and who gets it
Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can cause pneumonia. Bacteria are the most common cause. Viral pneumonia is often mild and goes away on its own within a few weeks. But sometimes it is serious enough that you need to get treatment in a hospital.
Anyone can develop pneumonia, but some things raise your risk. The risk is higher for children age 2 and under and adults age 65 and older. Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and malnourishment, which means not getting enough healthy food, also raise the risk. Being in a hospital, especially in the intensive care unit, raises the risk. Being sedated or on a ventilator, a breathing machine, raises it even more.
How doctors diagnose it
Sometimes pneumonia can be hard to diagnose because it can cause some of the same symptoms as a cold or the flu. Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will do a physical exam, which includes listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. They may also order tests, such as a chest x-ray and blood tests.
If you are in the hospital, have serious symptoms, are older, or have other health problems, you may have more tests. A sputum test checks a sample of mucus from your lungs for bacteria.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of pneumonia, which germ is causing it, and how severe it is. Many people who have pneumonia are prescribed medicine and recover at home.
- Antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia and some types of fungal pneumonia. They do not work for viral pneumonia.
- In some cases, your provider may prescribe antiviral medicines for viral pneumonia.
- Antifungal medicines treat other types of fungal pneumonia.
Most people begin to feel better after one to three days of antibiotic treatment. Still, you should take antibiotics as your doctor prescribes. If you stop too soon, your pneumonia may come back. Talk to your provider before taking cough or cold medicine. You may need to be treated in a hospital if your symptoms are severe or if you are at risk for complications. You may also get oxygen therapy if your blood oxygen level is low.
Some people feel better within a week. For other people, it can take a month or more. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month. To help your body recover, drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of sleep.
When to see a doctor
Call your provider if your symptoms suddenly get worse. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, fainting, or a change in mental status, such as confusion. For a child, call 911 for bluish or grey skin.
Sometimes pneumonia causes serious problems. Bacteremia happens when bacteria move into the bloodstream. It is serious and can lead to septic shock. These problems are more likely if pneumonia is untreated. They are more common in children, older adults, and people with other serious conditions.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine you, order tests such as a chest x-ray when needed, and check on you during recovery. They can also help you reach a lung doctor or a hospital if you need more care.
Common questions
Can pneumonia go away on its own?
Sometimes, depending on the cause. Viral pneumonia is often mild and goes away on its own within a few weeks. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, so see a provider if you think you have it.
Do antibiotics treat all pneumonia?
No. Antibiotics treat bacterial pneumonia and some types of fungal pneumonia. They do not work for viral pneumonia.
How long does it take to recover from pneumonia?
It varies from person to person. Some people feel better within a week. For other people, it can take a month or more. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month.
Can pneumonia be prevented?
Vaccines can help prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria or the flu virus. Washing your hands often, not smoking, and having a healthy lifestyle may also help prevent pneumonia.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Pneumonia
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Pneumonia Treatment
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Pneumonia Recovery
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
