Pneumonia

How Is Bacterial Pneumonia Treated?

Treatment involves antibiotics. People with milder pneumonia take oral antibiotics and usually start feeling better after 2 to 3 days. Most recover after 7 to 10 days. More severely ill people are hospitalized and are first given antibiotics intravenously. They may get oxygen and have special treatment to help clear phlegm. They may need mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit. After they improve, they take oral antibiotics. People infected with certain types of bacteria or with chronic medical conditions may need antibiotics for 14 to 21 days or longer.

DOs and DON’Ts in Managing Bacterial Pneumonia:

• DO get pneumonia and flu shots.
• DO tell your health care provider about medicines you take (prescription and over-the-counter).
• DO call your health care provider if you’re getting worse or don’t feel better after 2 to 3 days.
• DO tell your health care provider if you’re pregnant or taking birth control pills.
• DO call your health care provider right away or go to the emergency room if shortness of breath becomes worse.
• DO try to cough up as much phlegm as possible.
• DO wash your hands often, to avoid spreading infection.
• DO take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, until they’re gone.
• DO use acetaminophen or aspirin (except in children) to reduce fever and pain.
• DO drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• DO breathe moist air (use a humidifier) to help get rid of phlegm.
• DO call your health care provider if you have fever, green or yellow sputum, increased shortness of breath, chest pain, or dusky-colored skin, lips, or fingernails.
• DO avoid air pollution and smoke, especially if you have lung problems.

• DON’T stop taking your medicine just because you feel better.
• DON’T smoke.
• DON’T drink alcohol in excess.