Pneumonia Treatment Make an Appointment Refer a Patient Ask a Question Reviewed by Wendi Drummond, DO (August 01, 2017) What Is the Treatment for Pneumonia? The key to successful treatment is prompt medical care. The treatment will depend on how severe the symptoms are and the type of organism causing the infection. Antibiotics are used in bacterial infections. Antiviral medications may be used for treatment of pneumonia caused from influenza. Inhaled quick-relief medicine is used at times to keep the airways open, especially for those people who have asthma or bronchitis. If severe pneumonia is present, a person may need to stay in the hospital. Additional treatment may include rest, fluids, oxygen and techniques to help bring up the sputum. What Is Preventive Therapy for Pneumonia? Pneumococcal bacteria is one common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Two vaccines are available to help prevent this type of pneumonia. They are recommended for adults over 65 years of age; very young children; or anyone ages 2 through 64 with certain chronic health problems, a weakened immune system or who smokes. Discuss the need for these vaccines with your health care provider. A yearly flu vaccine is helpful in decreasing pneumonia caused by influenza and bacterial pneumonia that can sometimes follow influenza. Ask your health care provider about what vaccines are best for you. Other preventive measures include good medical control of chronic lung and sinus problems, good hand-washing and avoiding smoke. If you smoke, ask your doctor about ways to give up smoking. Pneumonia Diagnosis Clinical Trials For more than 100 years, National Jewish Health has been committed to finding new treatments and cures for diseases. Search our clinical trials.
Reviewed by Wendi Drummond, DO (August 01, 2017) What Is the Treatment for Pneumonia? The key to successful treatment is prompt medical care. The treatment will depend on how severe the symptoms are and the type of organism causing the infection. Antibiotics are used in bacterial infections. Antiviral medications may be used for treatment of pneumonia caused from influenza. Inhaled quick-relief medicine is used at times to keep the airways open, especially for those people who have asthma or bronchitis. If severe pneumonia is present, a person may need to stay in the hospital. Additional treatment may include rest, fluids, oxygen and techniques to help bring up the sputum. What Is Preventive Therapy for Pneumonia? Pneumococcal bacteria is one common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Two vaccines are available to help prevent this type of pneumonia. They are recommended for adults over 65 years of age; very young children; or anyone ages 2 through 64 with certain chronic health problems, a weakened immune system or who smokes. Discuss the need for these vaccines with your health care provider. A yearly flu vaccine is helpful in decreasing pneumonia caused by influenza and bacterial pneumonia that can sometimes follow influenza. Ask your health care provider about what vaccines are best for you. Other preventive measures include good medical control of chronic lung and sinus problems, good hand-washing and avoiding smoke. If you smoke, ask your doctor about ways to give up smoking. Pneumonia Diagnosis