Treatments for Pneumonia

The goal of treatment is to:

Destroy the germs that caused the infection
Maintain adequate oxygenation
Relieve symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches etc.
Avoid complications

Treatment involves the following:

Lifestyle changes Medications Other treatments

There are no surgical procedures for treating uncomplicated pneumonia.

References

Pneumonia symptoms diagnosis and treatment. American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/pneumonia/symptoms-diagnosis-and.html . Accessed October 3, 2012.

Pneumonia. National Heart Lung Blood Institute (NHLBI) website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pnu/ . Updated March 1, 2011. Accessed October 3, 2012.

Pneumonia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated August 27, 2012. Accessed October 3, 2012.

Pneumonia in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated August 27, 2012. Accessed October 3, 2012.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 10/2012
Update Date: 10/11/2012

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.