Pneumonia treatment: what to expect

A clinician assesses symptoms, breathing, temperature, oxygen level, medical history, and sometimes chest imaging or laboratory tests. Bacterial pneumonia may need an antibiotic, while antibiotics do not treat viral illnesses such as Influenza or COVID-19. The medicine, dose, and duration should match the diagnosis and your health needs. More severe illness may require hospital observation, oxygen, intravenous fluids, or treatment for complications. A cough and phlegm can take time to settle even when the infection is improving.

Take prescribed treatment exactly as directed and complete an antibiotic course unless the prescriber changes it. Rest, drink fluids if you can do so safely, avoid smoking and second-hand smoke, and use fever or pain medicine only as advised for you. Keep activity gentle, and monitor breathing, alertness, fever, and ability to drink. Do not share antibiotics or rely on cough medicines to hide worsening symptoms. Arrange follow-up if symptoms are not improving as expected or return after getting better.

Get emergency help for severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, new confusion, fainting, severe chest pain, or inability to stay awake. Seek same-day medical advice if breathing is worsening, fever persists or returns, you cannot keep fluids down, or you are passing much less urine. A sudden decline with weakness, clammy skin, or confusion can indicate Sepsis and needs immediate care.

Ask what caused the pneumonia, which treatment is needed, how to take it, and when improvement should begin. Ask how to manage cough and fever, whether your regular medicines need adjustment, and which symptoms require emergency review.