Pneumonia is a common infection of the lungs, brought on by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Its symptoms usually last for a few weeks, and in most cases, it does not necessitate hospitalization. However, in some severe cases, pneumonia can lead to serious, life-threatening complications without medical care–particularly among young children, the elderly, and individuals with a chronic or respiratory disease such as COPD or pulmonary disease.
If your pneumonia gets too severe, then hospitalization may be necessary. Your physician can determine the ideal treatment approach according to the infection type. When pneumonia is bacterial, patients go on macrolide antibiotics such as azithromycin. They may also need to start oxygen therapy if the oxygen in their bloodstream is low. Some patients may also need to be prescribed medicines to ease symptoms such as coughing and chest pain while breathing.
When pneumonia is viral, antibiotics do not work as a form of treatment. However, depending on the virus type that has led to pneumonia, the use of antiviral medicines may be recommended. In most cases, physicians do not interfere in cases of viral pneumonia as it typically improves over the course of a few weeks.
Treating Pneumonia at Home
Self-care at home is an integral part of pneumonia treatment. Here are some steps you can take to speed up your recovery period and prevent complications:
– Make sure to get lots of bed rest. Also, drink lots of fluids to make sure you are not dehydrated.
– If coughing fits render resting difficult, it is important to address it. However, coughing is your body’s way of expelling germs, so you mustn’t take anything to relieve your cough unless it is extreme enough to cause breathing difficulty, lead to throwing up, or get in the way of your resting.
– If you experience a high fever or body pain, you can try using acetaminophen (over-the-counter pain medication) to relieve these symptoms. Follow the directions on the box and avoid taking too much of any medication.
Your primary physician may need to check on you following a week or so of treatment to ensure your condition is improving. Make sure to get in touch with your doctor if your symptoms worsen at any point.
Cold Medications
Be cautious when it comes to cold medications because they may not be recommended for infants and those with specific conditions. Read the label carefully before using them. If you decide to take cold medications, always stick to the instructions.
Another important aspect to pay attention is to check whether your over-the-counter medications have acetaminophen in them. If they do contain this ingredient, ensure that you do not exceed the recommended daily dosage if you are on any other medications that also contain acetaminophen. It is always best to consult your physician before taking any medications even if they are over-the-counter.
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Posted on May 22, 2023