By Misdiagnosing Pneumonia Your Doctor may have Put Your Life at Risk

Pneumonia at a Glance

Pneumonia is used as a generic term to describe a variety of inflammatory conditions in the lungs. It is usually caused by bacterial (bacterial pneumonia) or viral (viral pneumonia). It can also be a result of fungal or yeast infections, lung trauma, or inflammation in the lungs due to toxic exposure.

These trigger wet cough and the accumulation of phlegm, shortness of breath, and a fever. These further complicate into severe lung inflammations that result in pneumonia. Pneumonia is a life threatening condition, which if not treated early, can be fatal.

Pneumonia is a common condition that may occur anytime to anyone. Smokers and those with chronic lung diseases or infections face an added risk of developing pneumonia. Some of these conditions include acute bronchitis, lung cancer, emphysema, or congestive heart failure. People under corticosteroids or chemotherapy or those suffering HIV/AIDS that impair their immunity may also be affected by pneumonia.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can exhibit various serious and painful symptoms, such as:

· Chills & fever

· Shortness of breath

· Loose and wet cough

· Large amounts of white or yellow phlegm produced

· Wheezing

· Sweating

· Fatigue

· Tightness of chest

· Chest pain while coughing

· Nausea and vomiting

· Muscle aches

· Headache

Treating Pneumonia

The first step to treating pneumonia is its prevention, by reducing or stopping smoking habits, avoiding exposure to toxic substances or pollution, or contact with people diagnosed with influenza, pneumonia or other respiratory infections. People of all age groups must be encouraged to adopt terrific and consistent handwashing habits and reduce the spread of viruses, bacteria, and communicable diseases. Getting vaccinated to prevent pneumonia is also a recommended step towards reducing its risks.

Pneumonia that occurs mildly in healthy adults can be treated at home, with abundant healthy fluids, physical rest, and by using a humidifier. Physicians may prescribe medications and antibiotics to relieve the pain, cough, and fever. A bronchodilator may also help relax and vent the lower airways of the lungs, to relieve breathing difficulties.

Sever pneumonia usually results in oxygen scarcity in the blood. Patients with such aggressive pneumonia may need to be hospitalized and administered with intravenous antibiotics. Physicians may further recommend oxygen therapy and stronger dosages of medications to reduce the severity of the condition.

Misdiagnosis of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common condition whose symptoms may often match with those other conditions that are less critical or severe. Doctors may misread x-rays and blood test reports and in turn pursue the wrong treatment and medication plans for the patient. Some commonly encountered misdiagnoses for pneumonia are:

· Flu or Influenza

· Acute Bronchitis

· Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

When a doctor misdiagnoses the patient's condition due to medical negligence, the patient is exposed to medications and treatment that are not relevant for his condition, thus worsening his complications and risking his life. Such acts of medical negligence must be legally addressed with a medical malpractice lawsuit, so that the patient can be compensated for his pain and suffering.

Legal Action

Speak to our New York City medical malpractice attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff, & Wolff (RMFW) to know ways to press legal action. We can be reached here: 212-344-1000.

We have offices all over the NYC area and the first consultation is free. If you have a valid case we will help escort you to a financial situation you have been contemplating. If you want your bills paid and then some taken care of, we are the lawyers to speak too. There are not any guarantees but we have won millions of dollars for past clients and we know how to put together a formula that is hard for the other side to beat.