How effective is antibiotic treatment for pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation in the lungs. The cause may be bacterial, viral or less commonly linked to another organism, and the treatment depends on the clinical assessment. For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics target the bacteria; rest, fluids and symptom relief support recovery. Cough, tiredness and reduced stamina can remain while the lungs recover, even when treatment is working.

A clinician may consider your symptoms, examination, oxygen level and other tests when deciding whether antibiotics are appropriate. Do not use someone else’s medicine or keep an old prescription for a future illness.

Take the medicine at the prescribed times and complete the course unless your clinician changes it. Drink fluids if you can, rest, avoid smoking and follow any breathing or activity advice. Arrange review if you are not beginning to improve as expected, or if you have a condition that affects your lungs, heart or immune system.

Get emergency help for severe difficulty breathing, blue or grey lips, new confusion, collapse or inability to stay awake. Urgent assessment is needed for worsening chest pain, coughing blood, dehydration or a high fever that does not settle, especially in a child, older adult or person with significant medical problems.

Ask what cause is suspected, when improvement should begin, how to monitor breathing, whether you need a review, and which symptoms mean you should seek urgent help.