Treatment FAQ

pneumonia what should i treatment it with antibiotics

by Kira Jakubowski Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The first-line treatment for pneumonia in adults is macrolide antibiotics, like azithromycin or erythromycin. In children, the first-line treatment for bacterial pneumonia is typically amoxicillin.Dec 9, 2021

Medication

Pneumonia: Can be complicated. A single course of Amoxicillin may not treat pneumonia. This depends on many factors. If you are still coughing, short of ... Read More

Therapy

Your doctor will select the right antibiotic for you based on multiple factors, including: 6

  • Your age: People 65 and older have a greater risk of serious complications from pneumonia infections.
  • Your health history: A history of smoking, lung diseases, or other conditions may influence a person's ability to fight off infections.
  • The exact infection you have: Your doctor may take a sample and test it for bacteria. ...

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Self-care

Types of lung problems or diseases that may be caused by medicines include:

  • Allergic reactions -- asthma, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or eosinophilic pneumonia
  • Bleeding into the lung air sacs, called alveoli (alveolar hemorrhage)
  • Swelling and inflamed tissue in the main passages that carry air to the lungs ( bronchitis)
  • Damage to lung tissue ( interstitial fibrosis)

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Nutrition

Some are more commonly used to treat pneumonia than others based on things like: 6

  • The bacteria causing infection
  • The severity of the infection
  • If you’re in a patient group at greatest risk from pneumonia

Does amoxicillin help pneumonia?

How effective is amoxicillin for pneumonia?

What medications cause pneumonia?

What antibiotic is used for pneumonia?

What is the best medicine for pneumonia?

How to get rid of pneumonia?

What is the test for pneumonia?

What to do if pneumonia isn't clearing?

What tests are done to determine if you have pneumonia?

How long does it take for a person to feel tired after pneumonia?

Can you take cough suppressant with pneumonia?

See more

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What is the best antibiotic to treat pneumonia?

In otherwise uncomplicated pneumonia, azithromycin is the initial drug of choice, as it covers most of the potential etiologic agents, including Mycoplasma species.

Does pneumonia need to be treated with antibiotics?

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 treatment of choice for pneumonia?

Antibiotics. These medicines are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. It may take time to identify the type of bacteria causing your pneumonia and to choose the best antibiotic to treat it. If your symptoms don't improve, your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic.

What is the initial antibiotic treatment for pneumonia?

The initial treatment of CAP is empiric, and macrolides or doxycycline (Vibramycin) should be used in most patients.

What are the 4 stages of pneumonia symptoms?

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...

How do you treat Covid pneumonia?

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.

Can you treat pneumonia with amoxicillin?

An antibiotic such as amoxicillin is prescribed when pneumonia is suspected. Once pneumonia is diagnosed, it's best to start treatment within four hours. Infection with a germ (bacterial infection) is a common cause and antibiotics kill bacteria. Amoxicillin is usually effective against the most common causes.

How long does it take for Covid pneumonia to clear up?

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.

Can pneumonia go away on its own?

Mild cases of pneumonia can go away on their own if you manage your symptoms and get adequate rest. Home treatment for pneumonia includes getting plenty of rest, drinking adequate fluids, steamy baths or showers, fever reducers, and avoiding smoking. In severe cases of pneumonia, hospitalization may be needed.

What is the best antibiotic for a chest infection?

Amoxycillin, or alternatively erythromycin, will usually be suitable. In any patient, of any age, with a lower respiratory infection, the presence of new focal chest signs should be treated as pneumonia and antibiotic therapy should not be delayed.

What are the best antibiotics for pneumonia? - Drugs.com

Many different types of antibiotics can be used to treat community-acquired pneumonia. Your doctor will select the most appropriate antibiotic based on your infection and other medical conditions, the patterns of local antibiotic resistance, cost, and other patient-specific characteristics such as your age, weight, allergies, and previous antibiotic treatment.

Home remedies for pneumonia: 12 ways to ease symptoms naturally

Some of the symptoms of pneumonia may be manageable at home. This article covers home remedies for pneumonia and when to see a doctor. Learn more here.

6 Serious Complications of Pneumonia You Should Know

When you get pneumonia -- whether it was caused by a bacteria, virus, or fungus -- there's a chance it could lead to other medical troubles. Find out what kinds of complications pneumonia can lead ...

COVID-19 and Pneumonia: Symptoms and Treatment Options

COVID-19, the illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, hits everyone differently. In general, most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate symptoms—headaches, fatigue ...

What is the best medicine for pneumonia?

It may take time to identify the type of bacteria causing your pneumonia and to choose the best antibiotic to treat it. If your symptoms don't improve, your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic. Cough medicine.

How to get rid of pneumonia?

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 recovered.

What is the test for pneumonia?

This measures the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream. Sputum test. A sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep cough and analyzed to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.

What to do if pneumonia isn't clearing?

If your pneumonia isn't clearing as quickly as expected, your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan to obtain a more detailed image of your lungs. Pleural fluid culture. A fluid sample is taken by putting a needle between your ribs from the pleural area and analyzed to help determine the type of infection.

What tests are done to determine if you have pneumonia?

If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following tests: Blood tests . Blood tests are used to confirm an infection and to try to identify the type of organism causing the infection. However, precise identification isn't always possible. Chest X-ray.

How long does it take for a person to feel tired after pneumonia?

Although most symptoms ease in a few days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness can persist for a month or more. Specific treatments depend on the type and severity of your pneumonia, your age and your overall health. The options include: Antibiotics. These medicines are used to treat bacterial pneumonia.

Can you take cough suppressant with pneumonia?

In addition, you should know that very few studies have looked at whether over-the-counter cough medicines lessen coughing caused by pneumonia. If you want to try a cough suppressant, use the lowest dose that helps you rest. Fever reducers/pain relievers. You may take these as needed for fever and discomfort.

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 long does it take to recover from pneumonia?

Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines within a week. For other people, it can take a month or more. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month. Adequate rest is important to maintain progress toward full recovery and to avoid relapse.

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.

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.

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 Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a pathological process that affects lung tissue. It occurs in both adults and children. Inflammation of the lungs needs urgent treatment, even if it is not severe.

Pneumonia Treatment In Children

Antibiotics for pneumonia in children are used if the disease has bacterial nature. Antibiotic therapy eliminates the cause of the disease. Thus, it is a key element of treatment.

How Long Does Pneumonia Last After Antibiotics?

The length of treatment in adults and children depends on the severity of the disease and the type of the drug. For example, the length of treatment with azithromycin is 3 days, with amoxicillin – 7 days. [ 10]

How many people die from pneumonia at 65?

The danger of pneumonia becomes increasingly risky for the very young, and for those over the age of 65. About 85 percent of all pneumonia deaths occur in those over the age of 65, according to the American Lung Association.

Can you start pneumonia treatment with two antibiotics?

He told Healthline that in high-risk cases, such as with older adults, it might be smarter to begin treatment with two antibiotics, rather than using a wait-and-see approach to treating pneumonia. “None of the drugs we are talking about are branded, expensive things, they are all generic.

Is it dangerous to have antibiotic resistant strains?

Antibiotic- resistant strains only make it more dangerous . Researchers from the American Thoracic Society studied medical records of 250,000 people with pneumonia from 2011 to 2015, and concluded as many as 1 in 4 were not cured by an initial course of antibiotic treatment.

How to get rid of pneumonia?

Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. Liquids help thin your mucus, which may make it easier for you to cough it up. Do not smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking increases your risk for pneumonia.

How to prevent pneumonia in hands?

Prevent pneumonia: Wash your hands often. Use soap and water every time you wash your hands. Rub your soapy hands together, lacing your fingers. Use the fingers of one hand to scrub under the nails of the other hand. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds.

How long after antibiotics do you have fever?

Call your doctor if: Your symptoms are the same or get worse 48 hours after you start antibiotics. Your fever is not below 99°F (37.2°C) 48 hours after you start antibiotics. You have a fever higher than 101°F (38.3°C). You cannot eat, or you have loss of appetite, nausea, or are vomiting.

How to take medicine if you are allergic to it?

Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them.

Can you get pneumonia from eating food?

You can become infected if you come in contact with someone who is sick. You can get pneumonia if you recently had surgery or needed a ventilator to help you breathe. Pneumonia can also be caused by accidentally inhaling saliva or small pieces of food. Pneumonia may cause mild symptoms, or it can be severe and life-threatening.

Does acetaminophen help with pneumonia?

You may need any of the following: Antibiotics treat pneumonia caused by bacteria. Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions.

How long does it take to get antibiotics for pneumonia?

Not all forms of pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, but those who can treat themselves from home with antibiotics can expect to take them for about five to seven days. 1 Some people may be given a shorter or longer medication regimen; it all depends on what your doctor thinks is suitable for your particular case.

How to recover from pneumonia?

Here are some recovery tips: Stay home: Be sure you stay home until your fever breaks and your coughing is at least minimal.

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

One month : You’ll be producing less mucus, and your chest will feel better. Six weeks: It’s becoming easier to breathe, and your cough is resolving. Three months: While you may still feel tired, most of the other symptoms will be gone at this point. Six months: You should be back to normal.

How long does it take for a person to feel better after taking antibiotics?

Most people start to feel better about two days after starting antibiotics, but it’s key to continue taking your medication until the prescription is complete, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Can pneumonia damage your lungs?

Pace yourself: Ease into your typical everyday life. Pneumonia is a serious infection capable of damaging your lungs. While many people seem to recover from pneumonia fully, it’s possible your lungs will not be able to return to the same level of activity as before.

Do antibiotics make you feel better?

Somewhere along the line, you start your antibiotics, and in a few days, you feel better . This improvement is because the bacteria has been dealt with. However, your body is now in cleanup mode, removing all the debris—like the mucus in your lungs.

Can pneumonia come back?

Pneumonia can come back in full force as you recover. A big part of achieving full recovery is taking it slow as you return to everyday life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help as you recover. Recovering without any help can be difficult, overwhelming, and potentially create a longer recovery.

What is the best medicine for pneumonia?

It may take time to identify the type of bacteria causing your pneumonia and to choose the best antibiotic to treat it. If your symptoms don't improve, your doctor may recommend a different antibiotic. Cough medicine.

How to get rid of pneumonia?

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 recovered.

What is the test for pneumonia?

This measures the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream. Sputum test. A sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep cough and analyzed to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.

What to do if pneumonia isn't clearing?

If your pneumonia isn't clearing as quickly as expected, your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan to obtain a more detailed image of your lungs. Pleural fluid culture. A fluid sample is taken by putting a needle between your ribs from the pleural area and analyzed to help determine the type of infection.

What tests are done to determine if you have pneumonia?

If pneumonia is suspected, your doctor may recommend the following tests: Blood tests . Blood tests are used to confirm an infection and to try to identify the type of organism causing the infection. However, precise identification isn't always possible. Chest X-ray.

How long does it take for a person to feel tired after pneumonia?

Although most symptoms ease in a few days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness can persist for a month or more. Specific treatments depend on the type and severity of your pneumonia, your age and your overall health. The options include: Antibiotics. These medicines are used to treat bacterial pneumonia.

Can you take cough suppressant with pneumonia?

In addition, you should know that very few studies have looked at whether over-the-counter cough medicines lessen coughing caused by pneumonia. If you want to try a cough suppressant, use the lowest dose that helps you rest. Fever reducers/pain relievers. You may take these as needed for fever and discomfort.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Govind Desai
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
The course of treatment depends on the cause of infection, symptoms and severity of the condition.
Medication

Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infection.

Levofloxacin . Azithromycin


Antivirals: To treat viral infection.

Oseltamivir . Zanamivir


Antifungals: If the infection is caused by fungi.

Fluconazole . Itraconazole


Analgesics: To ease symptoms of pain.

Acetaminophen . Ibuprofen


Cough suppressants: To relieve cough.

Dextromethorphan . Codeine

Therapy

Oxygen therapy:To maintain oxygen level in the blood.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Take rest
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Do not over strain the body

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Increase fluid intake; broth based soups provide relief from symptoms
  • Take plenty of fruits and vegetables
  • Consume lean proteins such as chicken

Foods to avoid:

  • Refined starch and sugar; pasteurized milk and dairy products

Specialist to consult

Pulmonologist
Specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the respiratory system.

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