What should you know about effective treatment for pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection or inflammation affecting the small air sacs in the lungs. Cough, fever, chills, chest discomfort, tiredness, and coughing up phlegm can occur, but symptoms differ between people. COVID-19 and influenza can also affect the lungs and may need specific testing or treatment.

A clinician may assess breathing, oxygen level, temperature, hydration, and other signs of illness. Antibiotics help some bacterial infections but do not treat viral infections. Treatment can also involve fluids, fever relief, rest, inhaled medicine, oxygen, or hospital monitoring when breathing or circulation is affected.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if pneumonia is suspected, especially for an older adult, a young child, pregnancy, or a person with heart, lung, or immune problems. Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed, drink fluids if safe, rest, and avoid smoking or exposure to smoke.

Do not use leftover antibiotics or stop a prescribed course without advice. Keep track of breathing effort, fever, alertness, fluid intake, and whether the cough is changing. Limit close contact while an infectious cause is being considered.

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, inability to stay awake, or severe chest pain. Urgent assessment is also needed for rapidly worsening fever or chills, inability to drink, very little urine, or signs of sepsis such as extreme weakness with fast breathing or a rapidly deteriorating condition.

Is the likely cause bacterial, viral, or another lung problem? Do I need a chest examination, oxygen check, or testing? Which medicines are appropriate with my health history, and what change should prompt urgent reassessment?