Treatment FAQ

what is the standard treatment for pneumonia?

by Reginald McKenzie Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.

Medication

  • Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia). Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from your lungs can spread the infection to other organs, potentially causing organ failure.
  • Difficulty breathing. ...
  • Fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion). ...
  • Lung abscess. ...

Therapy

  • Tachypnea: RR
  • Age 0 to 2 months: greater than 60; age 2 to 12 months: greater than 50; age 1 to 5 years: greater than 40; age greater than 5 years: greater ...
  • Dyspnea
  • Retractions: suprasternal, intercostal, or subcostal
  • Grunting
  • Nasal flaring
  • Apnea
  • Altered mental status
  • Pulse oximetry measurement less than 90% on room air

Self-care

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia, how sick the patient is, the patient’s age, and if other underlying medical conditions are present. Mild cases of pneumonia will often go away on their own by managing symptoms and getting adequate rest.

Nutrition

• Nonresolving pneumonia may be because of less common pathogens, or feature other conditions, and requires more detailed investigation. • Pediatric pneumonia is also common, and first-line treatment is still amoxicillin, followed closely by cephalosporins or macrolides.

What is the most common treatment for pneumonia?

What is the best medicine for pneumonia?

Can pneumonia go away on its own?

What is the first line treatment for pneumonia?

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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.

What is the most common treatment for pneumonia?

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.

Is treatment necessary for pneumonia?

If you have viral pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication to treat it. Sometimes, though, symptom management and rest are all that is needed.

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.

How do you treat Covid pneumonia?

There's currently no specific treatment that's approved for COVID-19. However, a variety of drugs are being investigated as potential therapies. Treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia focuses on supportive care. This involves easing your symptoms and making sure that you're receiving enough oxygen.

How long does it take for lungs to clear from pneumonia?

"Pneumonia is a serious illness that can take quite a toll on a person's lungs and body. It can take anywhere from a week to several months to fully recover from it," says Dr. Rayman Lee, pulmonologist at Houston Methodist.

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 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.

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.

Is 5 days of antibiotics enough?

Researchers from the CDC point out that, when antibiotics are deemed necessary for the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, the Infectious Diseases Society of America evidence-based clinical practice guidelines recommend 5 to 7 days of therapy for patients with a low risk of antibiotic resistance who have a ...

How long does it take to get rid of Covid pneumonia?

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 do I know if I have Covid pneumonia?

The signs and symptoms of COVID pneumonia are similar to those of other types of pneumonia and can result in fever, chills, and cough, which may result in shortness of breath and chest pain that happens when you breathe deeply or cough. Pneumonia can worsen in people with severe COVID infections.

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 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 .

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.

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Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

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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