How To Know If Your Child Has Pneumonia

What Are The Treatment Options For Pneumonia?

The first step to good treatment is to determine what is causing the pneumonia. Remember that pneumonia could be caused by viruses, or bacteria, fungus, or a parasite. There is no single treatment that addresses all these pathogens. Each of these pathogens have a different treatment, and for good reason. An antibiotic (which is meant to kill bacteria) will not be able to neutralize a virus. In the same way, an antiviral will not kill bacteria. The same is true for fungi and parasites. The treatments are not interchangeable because the type of organisms causing pneumonia will have differing and specific compositions and biology.

Medication is the common treatment for pneumonia, and the medicine will be specific to what is causing the pneumonia. Often, oral medication will be supported with nebulization (inhaling a mist of medicine). Sometimes all the medication is in the nebulization. In extreme cases of buildup of fluids in the lungs, a doctor may recommend to aspirate, or to drain the fluid out of the lungs. Aspiration is done with a long needle poked into the lung, to let the fluid out. Aspiration is not always needed, so do not be surprised if your doctor does not require it. If aspiration is indeed required, your doctor will let you know.