How is pneumonia treated?

The main course of therapy for pneumonia is antibiotics, which treat the bacterial infection that typically causes the condition. Watch pulmonologist Brian Gelbman, MD, discuss the treatment options for both common and severe cases of pneumonia.

Transcript

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For severe cases of pneumonia where patients have to be hospitalized, they may need both IV antibiotic therapies and, in the event

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that they have a fluid collection develop as a result of the pneumonia, they may need drainage of that fluid. [MUSIC PLAYING]

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The main cornerstone of therapy for pneumonia is antibiotics. Most pneumonias are caused by bacterial infections

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of the lungs, and antibiotics will treat those infections. Most patients can be treated with oral antibiotics and return to their home for treatment.

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In some extreme cases, patients may need to be admitted to the hospital to get IV antibiotics to treat the infection.

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Other than the antibiotics, some patients need medications to help them bring up the secretions from deep in their airways.

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This can be anything from inhaled therapies to some mechanical therapies, as well, such as vibrating devices.

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If patients have high fevers, we would give things to bring down the fever, such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.

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For severe cases of pneumonia where patients have to be hospitalized, they may need both IV antibiotic therapies

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and, in the event that they have a fluid collection develop as a result of the pneumonia, they may need drainage of that fluid.

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This can be done by a simple procedure called a thoracentesis, where a thin tube is placed and can drain the fluid around the lungs.

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Or in cases where that fluid appears to be infected, a chest tube can be placed to also drain the infection,

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as well. In patients who have difficult-to-treat pneumonias that aren't responding to therapies, it may be necessary to perform a bronchoscopy.

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A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a camera is placed down into the airways, and a segment of the lungs is washed and biopsied to determine

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the cause of the infection. [MUSIC PLAYING]