What is treatment for pneumonia

It can also occur when bacteria or viruses that are normally present in the mouth, nose and throat enter the lungs. Viral pneumonia tends to develop slowly over a number of days, whereas bacterial pneumonia usually develops quickly, often over a day. Most people who develop pneumonia initially have a viral infection such as a cold or flu, which produces symptoms such as headache , muscle aches and fever.

If pneumonia develops, symptoms commonly include:. In babies and children, symptoms may be less specific and they may not show clear signs of a chest infection. Commonly they will have a fever, appear unwell, and become lethargic. They may also have noisy or rattly breathing, have difficulty with feeding and make a grunting sound with breathing. People older than age 65 years with pneumonia may show signs of confusion or reduced mental awareness. It is also possible for the skin, lips and nail beds to become dusky or bluish.

This is a sign that the lungs are unable to deliver enough oxygen to the body. If this occurs it is vital to seek medical assistance straight away. If pneumonia is suspected it is important to seek medical attention promptly so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment given. The doctor will take a medical history and will conduct a physical examination. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough, promptly dispose of tissues in a closed waste container and wash your hands often.

If you have taken antibiotics, your doctor will want to make sure your chest X-ray is normal again after you finish the whole prescription. It may take many weeks for your X-ray to clear up. This November your donation goes even further to improve lung health and defeat lung cancer. Double Your Gift.

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Pneumonia Treatment and Recovery. Section Menu. How Is Pneumonia Treated? 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. Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm. Some people may be advised to have a flu vaccination or pneumococcal vaccination after recovering from pneumonia. 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.

This is because antibiotics do not work for viral infections. You may also be given fluids intravenously through a drip, and you may need oxygen to help breathing. In serious cases of pneumonia, breathing assistance through a ventilator in an intensive care unit ICU may be required.

To do this, an instrument called a bronchoscope may be used to look into your airways and lungs so that the object can be located and removed. This procedure is known as a bronchoscopy. This chest X-ray shows an area of lung inflammation indicating the presence of pneumonia. 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.

Your doctor might order additional tests if you're older than age 65, are in the hospital, or have serious symptoms or health conditions. These may include:. Treatment for pneumonia involves curing the infection and preventing complications. People who have community-acquired pneumonia usually can be treated at home with medication.

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:. You may be admitted to the intensive care unit if you need to be placed on a breathing machine ventilator or if your symptoms are severe. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

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.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Diagnosis Chest X-ray showing pneumonia Open pop-up dialog box Close.