What Is Pneumonia?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
9. Treatment and Management
Simple analgesics, rest, and fluids can help support the patient. Hospitalization may be required for those with significant breathing difficulties. For the treatment of bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics by mouth can be given for those suspected with a bacterial infection.
The choice of antibiotics depends on the individual: age, health, and how the infection was acquired. In North America, macrolides such as erythromycin or azithromycin, and doxycycline, could be the first line for community-acquired pneumonia. Corticosteroids have also been observed to improve the prognosis for adults with severe community-acquired pneumonia. Courses of treatment include neuraminidase inhibitors for viral and antibiotics for pneumonia.
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