The goal of treatment is to:
- Destroy the germs that caused the infection
- Maintain adequate oxygenation
- Relieve symptoms, such as shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches, and fever
- Avoid complications
Pneumonia treatment includes:
Lifestyle changesMedicationsOther treatmentsThere are no surgical procedures for treating uncomplicated pneumonia.
References
Community-acquired pneumonia in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115170/Community-acquired-pneumonia-in-adults . Accessed November 10, 2019.
Community-acquired pneumonia in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T113670/Community-acquired-pneumonia-in-children . Accessed November 10, 2019.
Diagnosing and treating pneumonia. American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lung.org/lung-health-and-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/diagnosing-and-treating.html. Accessed November 10, 2019.
Treatment. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/pnu/treatment. Accessed November 10, 2019.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board David L. Horn, MD, FACP
- Review Date: 01/2020
- Update Date: 01/21/2020