Treatment FAQ

if you get pneumonia what is the treatment

by Shanna Grady Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home with rest, antibiotics (if it's likely be caused by a bacterial infection) and by drinking plenty of fluids. More severe cases may need hospital treatment.

What is the proper treatment for pneumonia?

The main treatment for pneumonia is antibiotics, along with rest and drinking plenty of water. If you have chest pain, you can take pain killers such as paracetamol. Treatment depends on how severe your pneumonia is. Treatment with antibiotics should be started as soon as possible after diagnosis.

Can pneumonia be treated during Covid?

Are There Treatments for COVID-19 Pneumonia? Pneumonia may need treatment in a hospital with oxygen, a ventilator to help you breathe, and intravenous (IV) fluids to prevent dehydration.

What is the best drug to treat pneumonia?

Types of Antibiotics for Pneumonia Healthy adults under 65 years with pneumonia are typically treated with a combination of amoxicillin plus a macrolide like Zithromax (azithromycin) or sometimes a tetracycline like Vibramycin (doxycycline).

How long does it take the average person to recover from pneumonia?

Pneumonia and its complications can wreak havoc on a person's lungs and body. And, it can take anywhere from one to six months for a person to recover and regain strength after being hospitalized for pneumonia.

How long does pneumonia from Covid last?

For the 15% of infected individuals who develop moderate to severe COVID-19 and are admitted to the hospital for a few days and require oxygen, the average recovery time ranges between three to six weeks.

How long does Covid pneumonia take to recover?

Recovery Time: 3-6 weeks Symptoms: Severe disease can cause pneumonia. About 50% will have shortness of breath and low oxygen levels due to shortness of breath. Most patients will have a fever, feel very tired and have a dry cough.

What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?

Stages of PneumoniaStage 1: Congestion. During the congestion phase, the lungs become very heavy and congested due to infectious fluid that has accumulated in the air sacs. ... Stage 2: Red hepatization. ... Stage 3: Gray hepatization. ... Stage 4: Resolution.

What are the danger signs of pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:Cough, which may produce greenish, yellow or even bloody mucus.Fever, sweating and shaking chills.Shortness of breath.Rapid, shallow breathing.Sharp or stabbing chest pain that gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough.Loss of appetite, low energy, and fatigue.More items...

What is the first line treatment for pneumonia?

Pneumonia should be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic of choice for first line treatment is amoxicillin dispersible tablets. Most cases of pneumonia require oral antibiotics, which are often prescribed at a health centre.

How Is Bacterial Pneumonia Treated?

Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, which usually help people feel better within a few days to a week.2People who are very old, ve...

How Is Viral Pneumonia Treated?

Viral pneumonias are more likely to be treated at home, and not at the hospital.Viral pneumonia caused by the flu can be treated with an antiviral...

How Is Fungal Pneumonia Treated?

If the course of the pneumonia is slow and your chest X-ray looks unusual, you may have fungal pneumonia. These conditions can be diagnosed with a...

How Are Pneumonia Complications Treated?

Complications may be more common in pneumonia that starts after stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs, a type of condition called aspiration...

What Home Remedies Are There For Pneumonia?

There are no proven alternative treatments to get rid of germs that cause pneumonia, but there may be some home remedies that help with symptoms —...

Is There A Pneumonia Vaccine?

Because pneumonia can develop after a case of the flu, getting the seasonal flu shot can help prevent it.The Centers for Disease Control and Preven...

Can Vitamin C Fight Pneumonia?

The benefits of vitamin C were analyzed in a review published in April 2013 in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, which looked at three s...

What is the best medicine for cough and fever?

Most people can manage their symptoms such as fever and cough at home by following these steps: Control your fever with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children.

What to do if you have pneumonia in the hospital?

If your pneumonia is so severe that you are treated in the hospital, you may be given intravenous fluids and antibiotics, as well as oxygen therapy, and possibly other breathing treatments.

How to get rid of an infection?

If your cough is preventing you from getting the rest you need, ask your doctor about steps you can take to get relief. Drink warm beverages, take steamy baths and use a humidifier to help open your airways and ease your breathing.

What to do if you are a smoker and have trouble staying smokefree?

This includes smoking, secondhand smoke and wood smoke. Talk to your doctor if you are a smoker and are having trouble staying smokefree while you recover. This would be a good time to think about quitting for good. Get lots of rest.

How to keep germs from spreading?

Cover your mouth and nose when you cough, promptly dispose of tissues in a closed waste container and wash your hands often .

What is ARDS in a lung?

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a severe form of respiratory failure. Lung abscesses, which are infrequent, but serious complications of pneumonia. They occur when pockets of pus form inside or around the lung. These may sometimes need to be drained with surgery.

What are the complications of cirrhosis?

Possible complications include: Respiratory failure, which requires a breathing machine or ventilator. Sepsis, a condition in which there is uncontrolled inflammation in the body, which may lead to widespread organ failure.

What is the most common type of pneumonia that starts after stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs?

Complications may be more common in pneumonia that starts after stomach contents are inhaled into the lungs, a type of condition called aspiration pneumonia. Another dangerous variation is necrotizing pneumonia, a bacterial pneumonia that can result from a large number of pathogens, including staphylococcus. ( 6)

What is the best treatment for pneumonia?

Viral pneumonia caused by the flu can be treated with an antiviral medication called Tamiflu (oseltamivir), but for many other viral pneumonias, your doctor can only treat the symptoms. This means drinking lots of fluids, eating well, resting, taking medication for pain or fever, and treating breathing difficulties.

What causes pneumonia in the elderly?

Other causes of pneumonia include bacteria and fungi. Your doctor will outline a plan that's specific to you, considering the type of pneumonia you have, the severity of the condition, your age, and your overall health. From there, you'll know whether you can be treated at home or at the hospital, and whether or not you need antibiotics.

How to protect yourself from a syphilis?

Other steps you can take to help protect yourself against the illness include: Washing your hands often. Quitting smoking. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Disposing of used tissues. Staying home when you're sick, and keeping your child home if they're sick.

How many types of fungi cause pneumonia?

These conditions can be diagnosed with a blood test that shows your body is making antibodies to the fungus. More than 10 types of fungi can cause fungal pneumonia, which is more common in people with weakened immune systems. ( 5)

Is mycoplasma a virus?

Mycoplasmal pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which was originally thought to be a virus or a fungus, but has since been classified as a bacteria. ( 4) Also called atypical pneumonia, it's a mild and common type that's most likely to affect children and young adults.

Can you treat pneumonia with medication?

Medication is usually ineffective in treating the viral types of pneumonia — doctor s will instead treat the symptoms — though these infections also tend to be milder and clear up on their own. Working closely with your doctor and following all directions will speed your recovery.

What is pneumonia in the lungs?

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of your lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. When there is an infection in the lungs, several things happen, including: The air sacs in the lungs fill with mucus and other fluids. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

What is the name of the disease where liquids and saliva go down the trachea?

Aspiration pneumonia is another type of pneumonia. Aspiration is when solid food, liquids, saliva or vomit go down the trachea (windpipe) and into the lungs instead of going down the esophagus and into the stomach.

What causes pneumonia in the respiratory tract?

Viruses: Any virus that causes a respiratory tract infection ( infections of the nose, throat, trachea

What causes pneumonia outside of a hospital?

This type of pneumonia occurs outside of a hospital or other healthcare facility. Causes include: Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and other atypical bacteria: Other types of bacteria with unique features can cause different types of pneumonia.

How long does it take for a cough to go away?

Symptoms of viral pneumonia usually begin to improve within a few days after starting treatment. A cough can last for several weeks.

Why does my baby have chest pain?

Chest pain. Newborns are at greater risk of pneumonia caused by bacteria present in the birth canal. In young children, viruses are the main cause of pneumonia. Pneumonia caused by bacteria tends to happen suddenly, starting with fever and fast breathing.

How to check for pneumonia?

Listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. Possibly order a chest X-ray to look for signs of pneumonia and the extent of the infection. Conduct a pulse oximetry test to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood (indicates how well your lungs are moving oxygen into your bloodstream).

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Diagnosis

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Your doctor will start by asking about your medical history and doing a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that suggest pneumonia. If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following tests: 1. Blood tests.Blood tests are us…
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Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • These tips can help you recover more quickly and decrease your risk of complications: 1. Get plenty of rest.Don't go back to school or work until after your temperature returns to normal and you stop coughing up mucus. Even when you start to feel better, be careful not to overdo it. Because pneumonia can recur, it's better not to jump back into your routine until you are fully rec…
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Preparing For Your Appointment

  • You may start by seeing a primary care doctor or an emergency care doctor, or you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in infectious diseases or in lung disease (pulmonologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment and know what to expect.
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