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Experiencing a cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and high fever can be both physically and mentally exhausting. These are just some of the symptoms that characterize pneumonia, which affects more than 3 million people in the United States every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pneumonia and influenza combined are one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia, or bronchopneumonia, is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs. When these air sacs become infected, they can fill with fluid or pus, which causes coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, and chills. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that requires lab tests or imaging to diagnose.
There are several different types of pneumonia infections:
- Bacterial
- Viral
- Fungal
- Mycoplasma
- Aspiration pneumonia
Some people in ICU’s who are on breathing machines can get ventilator-associated pneumonia. Cases of pneumonia that happen at hospitals or care facilities are referred to as healthcare-acquired pneumonia (HCAP) and if outside healthcare facilities, it is sometimes referred to as community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
The treatment given for pneumonia will depend on what’s causing it. For example, walking pneumonia, a milder version of bacterial pneumonia, is commonly treated with antibiotics. Fungal pneumonia would be treated with an antifungal medication. Pneumonia may be preventable with vaccines but is treatable with antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, cough suppressants, and fever reducers.
Most cases of pneumonia resolve in days or weeks, but it takes proper diagnosis and treatment for this to happen. This guide gives an overview of treatments and medications that a healthcare provider may prescribe or recommend for pneumonia.
How is pneumonia diagnosed?
Recognizing the symptoms of pneumonia is the first step toward a proper diagnosis. A cough that produces mucus, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting are just some of the symptoms people might experience. If these symptoms persist or get worse, a trip to the doctors’ office is the best way to determine if there’s a pneumonia infection.
If a doctor thinks someone has pneumonia, they will use a stethoscope to listen for bubbling and crackling sounds in the lungs, which indicate pneumonia. A series of one or more tests might be recommended to confirm a diagnosis, which may need to be conducted by a lung disease specialist.
Pneumonia testing
- Blood tests can help confirm an infection and determine the type of organism causing it.
- Chest X-rays can help diagnose and determine the location of a pneumonia infection.
- Pulse oximetry test measures how much oxygen is in the blood, which can indicate pneumonia because it tends to prevent the lungs from moving enough oxygen into the bloodstream.
- Sputum test involves taking a sample of fluid from the throat/lungs to help determine what’s causing the infection.
- For more serious cases of pneumonia, a CT scan, pleural fluid culture sample, or bronchoscopy might be taken at a hospital.
According to the CDC, people over the age of 65, those who smoke, young children, or people with underlying health conditions have a higher risk of getting pneumonia. A primary care provider, infectious disease doctor, respiratory therapist, or pulmonologist may ask the following questions to help confirm a diagnosis:
- When did you first start experiencing symptoms?
- Do you smoke?
- Have you had pneumonia before, and if so in which lung?
- Have you recently been exposed to chemicals or toxic substances?
- Are your symptoms continuous or sporadic?
- Have you had any vaccines?
Pneumonia treatment options
Ideally, it’s better to prevent pneumonia than treat it. The odds of preventing pneumonia can be increased by getting a pneumococcal vaccine, by not smoking, and by improving immune system strength. If someone does get an infection, the treatment for it will depend on the type of pneumonia.
The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae causes the majority of bacterial infections (lung abscess) that lead to pneumonia. For this reason, pneumonia is commonly treated with antibiotics, and symptoms are managed with fever reducers and occasionally with cough suppressants. Sometimes, supportive care treatments like IV fluids and oxygen therapy are needed.
If pneumonia goes untreated it can lead to something called pleural effusion, which is an excessive collection of fluid in the lungs. This condition can be life-threatening and may result in a trip to the intensive care unit, which is why it’s important to seek treatment if you believe you have pneumonia.
Many people choose to supplement traditional pneumonia treatments with natural and home remedies. While home remedies won’t necessarily cure pneumonia, they can help alleviate symptoms like coughing, fever, or chills. Staying hydrated helps get rid of mucus in the lungs, and taking supplements like garlic and turmeric boost the immune system to help fight off infection.
Pneumonia medications
Bacterial pneumonia is frequently treated with antibiotics, which work by stopping the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics can be taken orally or given intravenously by a healthcare professional. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include Cipro, Levaquin, and Oracea. Some side effects associated with antibiotics include diarrhea, nerve damage, and allergic reaction.
Doctors will sometimes recommend cough suppressants and fever reducers to help treat pneumonia symptoms. Analgesic pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be purchased over-the-counter. Some cough medicines can be purchased OTC as well, but if the cough is bad enough, a cough suppressant like codeine might be necessary.
Viral pneumonia, or pneumonia caused by a fungus, may require the prescription of antiviral and antifungal medications. Relenza (zanamivir) is one example of a popular antiviral, and fluconazole is commonly prescribed as an antifungal.
What is the best medication for pneumonia?
There is no one universal pneumonia medication that’s best for everyone. Individual symptoms and responses to treatment vary. A doctor can determine the best medication for pneumonia based on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, and response to treatments. Here’s an overview of popular medications that a doctor may prescribe.
| Best medications for pneumonia | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Name | Drug Class | Administration Route | Standard Dosage | Side Effects |
| Cipro (ciprofloxacin) | Antibiotic | Oral, Injection | 250-750 mg 2 times a day or as directed by a healthcare professional | Diarrhea, numbness or tingling, or unusual bleeding |
| Levaquin (levofloxacin) | Antibiotic | Oral | 250-750 mg once per day | Diarrhea, nerve damage, behavioral changes, or dizziness |
| Oracea (doxycycline) | Antibiotic | Oral | 40 mg daily in the morning on an empty stomach | Nausea, allergic reaction, diarrhea, or headaches |
| Relenza (zanamivir) | Antibiotic | Oral inhaler | 2 inhalations twice per day for 5 days. | Difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat |
A prescribing mental health professional determines the best dosage based on medical conditions, response to treatment, age, and weight. Discuss with your doctor if pregnant as these medications may be contraindicated. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are some common side effects of pneumonia medications?
As with any medication, there are always potential side effects. Common side effects associated with pneumonia medications include changes to behavior, confusion, nerve damage, seizures, nausea, and diarrhea. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if your side effects persist or worsen.
Pneumonia medications may cause allergic reactions that result in hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Allergic reactions can be life-threatening. You should seek immediate medical care if you believe you are experiencing an allergic reaction.
This list of side effects is not comprehensive. Ask a healthcare professional for more details regarding the possible side effects of a particular medication.
What are the best home remedies for pneumonia?
Many people rely on home remedies and natural treatments to help treat their pneumonia. Certain lifestyle changes may help prevent pneumonia from worsening. Home remedies, natural treatment options, and lifestyle changes are all ways that people who have pneumonia can try to reduce their symptoms. Many natural supplements are not approved by the FDA. Here are some popular home and natural remedies for pneumonia:
- Staying hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, tea, and soup which help break up mucus and phlegm that accumulate in the lungs. This makes it easier to get rid of the mucus through coughing.
- Improving immune function: Making changes to improve the immune system will not only help prevent future cases of pneumonia from happening but also reduce the length of the current onset of pneumonia. Avoiding inflammatory foods like sugar, alcohol, and dairy products are one way to boost immune function. Getting plenty of rest and learning to manage stress can also be very beneficial. Certain supplements like garlic, turmeric, ginger, echinacea, vitamin c, and astragalus root also have immune-boosting properties.
- Running a humidifier: This can help with cough symptoms associated with pneumonia. Warm, moist air helps reduce coughing. If you don’t have a humidifier, you can fill a sink with hot water, bend over it, and then place a towel around the back of your head to capture the steam. This can be done several times a day. Adding essential oils like tea-tree or eucalyptus to a humidifier can help clear congestion.
Frequently asked questions about pneumonia
What is the best treatment for pneumonia?
There is no single treatment that’s best for pneumonia, but it’s most commonly treated with antibiotics, cough medicines, and fever reducers. Some people may try natural or home remedies to help reduce symptoms associated with pneumonia-like coughing. Combining treatment options is sometimes necessary to treat pneumonia and bring symptomatic relief to people.
What are the 4 stages of pneumonia?
Pneumonia is typically described as having 4 stages: consolidation, red hepatization, grey hepatization, and resolution.
- Consolidation: This first stage of pneumonia happens within the first 24 hours and is marked by deep breathing and coughing. During these first 24 hours, fluid begins to enter the air sacs or alveoli in the lungs.
- Red hepatization: This second stage of pneumonia happens between days two and three. Excessive fluid in the air sacs leads to incoming white and red blood cells.
- Grey hepatization: In this stage, which happens between days four to six, macrophages engulf white and red blood cells and cellular debris.
- Resolution: In the final stage of pneumonia, the lungs return to normal. This can happen six or more days later. The amount of time it takes each person to heal will depend on their individual medical history and response to treatment.
How long does it take to recover from pneumonia?
Most people recover from pneumonia within one to three weeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, some people might start to see their symptoms go away within a few days, but it’s also possible to not feel completely normal for over a month. The amount of time it takes to recover depends on the person's age, overall health, and severity of their pneumonia.
What should I eat with pneumonia?
Drinking lots of fluids like water, tea, and soup is really important for people with pneumonia. Staying hydrated makes it easier to cough up the mucus that accumulates in the lungs. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables will give the body important vitamins and minerals to help fight infection. Healthy fats from nuts, avocados, and fish will supply the body with immune-supporting vitamins like A and E, as well as essential fatty acids. Some people say that consuming dairy products makes their pneumonia worse, but every individual will react to foods differently.