Treatment FAQ

what treatment should i use for pneunomonia

by Lucio Wehner 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.

Medication

Once you start taking antibiotics, your symptoms should begin to improve. Recovery times vary a lot from person to person and depend on your general health, age and how severe your pneumonia is. If you are diagnosed with pneumonia and your symptoms don’t improve in 48 hours, or if they get any worse, call 111 or 999 for a reassessment.

Therapy

You may need treatment in hospital if your symptoms are severe. You should be given antibiotics as soon as possible if your pneumonia is likely to be caused by a bacterial infection. You will probably not be given antibiotics if the cause is likely to be a virus, such as coronavirus.

Self-care

Untreated pneumonia can also lead to a lung abscess, where part of the lung tissue dies. And, in very rare cases, respiratory failure can occur. These complications can be reduced, or avoided altogether, with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment. Your doctor relies on several tools to help diagnose pneumonia. The first is a physical exam. He ...

Nutrition

Process 1:

  • Boil water and stir in 5 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil.
  • Pour the water into a bowl.
  • Drape a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam.
  • Do this until Stopped getting oil fragrance.
  • Now blow nose gently to clear the mucus which causes the problem.
  • Repeat 3 times a day.

More items...

Why does it take so long to recover from pneumonia?

When should I go to the hospital for pneumonia treatment?

What could happen if my pneumonia remains untreated?

What is the best home remedy for pneumonia?

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What is the most effective 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.

What is the best antibiotic to treat pneumonia?

Macrolides. The best initial antibiotic choice is thought to be a macrolide. Macrolides provide the best coverage for the most likely organisms in community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CAP). Macrolides have effective coverage for gram-positive, Legionella, and Mycoplasma organisms.

Which medicine heals pneumonia?

Pneumonia medications Commonly prescribed antibiotics include Cipro, Levaquin, and Oracea. Some side effects associated with antibiotics include diarrhea, nerve damage, and allergic reaction. Doctors will sometimes recommend cough suppressants and fever reducers to help treat pneumonia symptoms.

How do you get rid of 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.

What is the first line treatment for pneumonia?

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.

Can pneumonia be treated at home?

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.

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 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 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 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.

What is the best treatment for pneumonia?

Over-the-counter remedies that are typically used to help treat the symptoms of pneumonia include: 1 Fever reducers/pain relievers: Tylenol (acetaminophen), Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin will help bring your fever down and decrease any pain you might have. 14  Remember to never give aspirin to children because it increases their risk of developing Reye's syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening illness. 2 Expectorants: These medications help loosen and move mucus out of your lungs. 15  Your doctor probably won't want you to take cough suppressants, or at the very least, will only want you to take a low dose because you need to be able to cough to move the infection out.

How to treat pneumonia?

Most times, pneumonia 1  can be managed with home remedies, but other treatments may be necessary, including over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and breathing treatments. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary.

What does walking pneumonia mean?

It's often referred to as "walking pneumonia," meaning that you don't feel so sick that you have to stay in bed all day. Technically, mycoplasma pneumonia 24 is caused by a bacteria and in some cases is treated with antibiotics, though it often goes away on its own without treatment as well.

How to treat aspiration pneumonia?

Aspiration Pneumonia: Aspiration pneumonia 25 is treated by removing the foreign object, if possible, and stopping the aspiration of more food or fluids. This may mean that you're not permitted to eat and will be given calories and fluids through an IV or via a feeding tube.

How to keep your throat moist?

Similar to drinking water, running a humidifier will keep your airways moist, especially when the air is dry in your house. 6 . Gargle salt water. Gargling several times a day can help wash away some of the mucus in your throat and relieve a sore throat. 7  If you hate salt water, gargling plain water works too.

How to get rid of chills from asthma?

Drink broth, soup, tea, or even hot water to help ward off chills and get some extra hydration. Drink a cup of caffeinated coffee or tea. Caffeine is known to be a mild bronchodilator and it's chemically similar to theophylline, a drug that's used to treat asthma.

What is the best way to relieve mucus in the lungs?

Breathing Treatments: Your doctor may also prescribe an inhaler or a nebulizer treatment to help loosen the mucus in your lungs and help you breathe better. 11  The most common medication for this is Ventolin, ProAir, or Proventil (albuterol).

How long does it take for a person to recover from pneumonia?

Pneumonia is serious and may require hospitalization. In most cases, it takes about six months before you feel fully recovered. After your initial diagnosis, it’s important to pace yourself and allow your body time to heal. Eating well and getting plenty of rest are key.

How to reduce breathlessness?

found that using a handheld fan can reduce breathlessness. Volunteers directed the fan across the nose and mouth, which produced a cooling sensation in the face. They did this for five minutes at a time, alternating between directing the fan toward their legs. You can use a handheld fan until your symptoms subside.

How to get rid of mucus in throat?

Do a saltwater gargle. — can help get rid of some of the mucus in your throat and relieve irritation. Dissolve 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a glass of warm water. Gargle the mixture for 30 seconds, and spit it out. Repeat at least three times each day.

How to get rid of nasal congestion?

Wash and cut fresh mint leaves and place them in a cup or teapot. Add boiling water and steep for about five minutes. Strain and serve with lemon, honey, or milk. You may wish to deeply inhale the aroma of the peppermint tea while the tea is steeping. This can help clear your nasal pathways.

What is the best medicine for fever?

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil), can help to reduce your fever and alleviate pain. If you can, take any pain relievers with food or on a full stomach. This helps reduce your risk of side effects, such as nausea.

How long does chest pain last with pneumonia?

Some chest pain or ache is expected with pneumonia. With treatment, chest pain typically subsides within four weeks.

Can pneumonia cause shortness of breath?

If you’re short of breath. With pneumonia, your breathing may suddenly become rapid and shallow, or this could develop gradually over the course of a few days. You may even experience breathlessness while you’re resting. Your doctor may have prescribed medication or inhalers to help.

What is the best treatment for walking pneumonia?

For example, walking pneumonia, a milder version of bacterial pneumonia, is commonly treated with antibiotics. Fungal pneumonia would be treated with an antifungal medication. Pneumonia may be preventable with vaccines but is treatable with antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, cough suppressants, and fever reducers.

How to prevent pneumonia?

Improving immune function: Making changes to improve the immune system will not only help prevent future cases of pneumonia from happening but also reduce the length of the current onset of pneumonia. Avoiding inflammatory foods like sugar, alcohol, and dairy products are one way to boost immune function.

What antibiotics are used for pneumonia?

Antibiotics can be taken orally or given intravenously by a healthcare professional. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include Cipro, Levaquin, and Oracea.

How many stages of pneumonia are there?

Pneumonia is typically described as having 4 stages: consolidation, red hepatization, grey hepatization, and resolution. Consolidation: This first stage of pneumonia happens within the first 24 hours and is marked by deep breathing and coughing.

How to get rid of coughing from pneumonia?

If you don’t have a humidifier, you can fill a sink with hot water, bend over it, and then place a towel around the back of your head to capture the steam. This can be done several times a day.

What supplements help with pneumonia?

Certain supplements like garlic, turmeric, ginger, echinacea, vitamin c, and astragalus root also have immune-boosting properties. Running a humidifier: This can help with cough symptoms associated with pneumonia.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

Experiencing a cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and high fever can be both physically and mentally exhausting . These are just some of the symptoms that characterize pneumonia, which affects more than 3 million people in the United States every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ...

Here's what your doctor might prescribe you

Jennifer Welsh is a Connecticut-based science writer and editor with over ten years of experience under her belt. She’s previously worked and written for WIRED Science, The Scientist, Discover Magazine, LiveScience, and Business Insider.

Types of Antibiotics for Pneumonia

There are multiple types of antibiotics that work in slightly different ways. Some are more commonly used to treat pneumonia than others based on things like: 6

How Your Doctor Chooses

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

Side Effects

Antibiotics are serious drugs and can have some uncomfortable side effects. These can include: 9

Summary

Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. Which antibiotic is prescribed is based on the type of bacteria, your age, health history, and more. You will often take the antibiotics for five to seven days. Completing the full course is important. Side effects may occur, which you should report to your doctor.

How to get rid of pneumonia in the lungs?

Breathing exercises can give your lungs a boost as you get over pneumonia. Take five to 10 deep breaths, then cough forcefully two or three times. That should push some mucus out of your lungs. Or just take slow, deep breaths. Another exercise to try: Blow through a straw into a cup of water. Swipe to advance.

What to drink when you have pneumonia?

Water, Tea, and Soup. Even when you’re healthy, you need lots of fluids to stay hydrated. But they’re extra important when you have pneumonia, because they help loosen the mucus in your lungs. That way, you can get rid of it when you cough.

How to get rid of coughing up mucus?

Make sure you’re completely well before you try to jump back into your regular routine. Stay away from school or work until your temperature is back to normal and you’ve quit coughing up mucus. If you’re not sure whether you’re back in shape, check with your doctor.

How to bring down a fever?

Use a Warm Compress. It might make you feel more comfortable while you’re waiting for medicine to bring down your fever. Wet a cloth with lukewarm water and place it on your forehead or neck for 20-30 minutes. It’s a soothing way to cool your body down from the outside.

What to give a child with a fever?

If they have aches or fever, give them ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don’t ever give aspirin to a child -- it can cause a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome. And don’t give them ibuprofen if they are dehydrated or they are younger than 6 months old without talking to the doctor first.. Swipe to advance.

How long does it take to get better from pneumonia?

You might need anywhere from a week to a month to get better. Depending on the kind of pneumonia you have, your doctor may prescribe a drug that fights bacteria or a drug that fights viruses to help you get better. While you’re waiting for that to work, there are a bunch of ways you can ease the coughing, aches, and fever.

What is the best medicine for a fever?

If aches or fever are wearing you down, a pain reliever might help, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Be sure you follow the instructions on the label for how much to take and how often.

How does inhalation help with pneumonia?

Inhalation acts as a thinner, removing accumulated phlegm, restoring the full function of the internal organs of the procedure.

What is the best oil for pneumonia?

You can also use three types of oils for the treatment of pneumonia: juniper oil, pine oil, and fir oil.

What is the drug that is used to treat lung damage?

Bronchodilators – drugs that are able to expand the bronchi, remove spasms, modernize the drainage, ventilation of organs (Ventolin, albuterol). In case of lung damage, bronchospasms are used; Drugs that relieve inflammation – they act in the lesion focus, relieve the lesion, prevent complications (Pulmicort);

What is the benefit of using a nebulizer?

The main advantage of using a nebulizer is that you can be treated at home and you need a lower dose of medication.

Can nebulizers be used for children?

Such nebulizers can create particles of various sizes. They are convenient to use for both children and bedridden patients. At the same time, the electronic mesh devices are noiseless, they can be used to spray any drugs intended for the procedure.

How to get rid of phlegm in the lungs?

Drink, drink, then drink some more. Fluids hydrate the body, loosen mucus in the lungs, and help bring up phlegm. Take in lots of water . Boil a big mug of warm tea. Sip clear soups.

Can pneumonia come back?

Pneumonia can come back, so take it slow when you start to feel better to ensure a full recovery. Taking on too much too soon can send you straight back to bed.

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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.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

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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…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Prescriptions

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Over-The-Counter Therapies

  • 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…
See more on mayoclinic.org

Hospitalization

  • 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.
See more on mayoclinic.org

Complementary Medicine

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Most cases of pneumonia can be treated at home with the following measures: 1. Get as much rest as possible. If you have pneumonia,2you need rest so that your body can fight the infection and heal. Don't try to do everything you normally do and rest when you feel tired. The more you're able to rest, the quicker you will get bett…
See more on verywellhealth.com

Type-Specific

  • There are a variety of prescriptions your healthcare provider may give you, again, depending on the type of pneumonia you have and your symptoms. Antibiotics: If you have bacterial or aspiration pneumonia, your healthcare provider will prescribe an antibiotic.10Finding the best antibiotic depends on being able to figure out which type of bacteria you've been infected with, s…
See more on verywellhealth.com

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