Viruses can infect the lungs and airways cause pneumonia. Influenza virus and rhinovirus are the most common viral causes of adult viral pneumonia. When a person has pneumonia, the lungs become inflamed, triggering bouts of cough with pus, along with fever, and breathing issues.
Pneumonia is caused by various species, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. The infection can range in intensity from mild to severe. Infants and children, persons over the age of 65, and those with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems are especially susceptible.
Following your pneumonia test results, the treatment of pneumonia entails eliminating the illness and alleviating the symptoms. Some patients can be treated at home with medicine. Although most symptoms will ease off after a few days or weeks, fatigue might last for the following month or longer.
There is no instant cure for pneumonia. However, specific therapies are determined on the kind and intensity of the pneumonia, as well as your age and general health. The alternatives include:
- Antibiotics. The medications treat pneumonia caused by bacteria. Identifying the type of bacteria that had triggered pneumonia and selecting the most effective medication to treat it may take some time. For severe pneumonia treatment, your physician may prescribe a stronger antibiotic.
- Cough suppressants: The medication alleviates cough, allowing you to rest. Coughing helps loosen and moving fluid from the lungs, it is advisable not to entirely remove your cough. If you choose to try a cough suppressant, take the smallest effective dose.
- Fever reducers and painkillers: As necessary, you may take them for fever and discomfort. Among them are ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Follow-up
The doctor is likely to schedule a follow-up visit for you around six weeks after you begin your antibiotic treatment. Incorporating a healthy diet helps in preventing pneumonia from re-lapsing. If your symptoms have not improved or you may have relapsed, your doctor may advise for a follow-up chest X-ray.
Treatment for Pneumonia FAQs
How is pneumonia treated?
Mild cases of pneumonia can be home treated with a lot of rest coupled with antibiotics and drinking lots of fluids. Experts advise home treatment only if the infection is likely to be caused by a bacterial infection. More severe conditions may require hospitalisation.
Is blood test required for pneumonia treatment?
Blood test for pneumonia confirm the presence of an infection and can help identify the cause of the infection. Nevertheless, accurate identification is not always achievable. A chest x-ray helps diagnose pneumonia and helps the doctor determine the extent and location of the illness.
How much does the pneumonia treatment cost?
A doctor’s home visit can start from Rs 1,500 to 3,000, while a clinic appointment can start from Rs 800. Pneumonia diagnosis tests includes an x-ray scan that can cost Rs 250 and a standard CBC blood test can cost Rs 250. The rates are general estimates in a Tier I city. The cost of medicines, inhalers will add to the cost. And if hospitalised for more than 1 day, the costs can go over Rs 50,000. The actual pneumonia treatment costs will vary across regions and can be cheaper in Tier II and II cities.
