Treatment of pneumonia
Treatment of pneumonia will depend on the organism causing pneumonia, severity of the symptoms and an individual's underlying health.
Treatment of pneumonia may occur at home, in hospital or residential aged care. Recovery from pneumonia can take several weeks and will depend on how well a person responds to treatment.
Elderly people with pneumonia especially anyone living in an aged care home need to be closely monitored for worsening signs of pneumonia. A sudden decline in health could indicate a medical emergency and require hospitalisation.
For some people at the end stage of dementia or degenerative disease pneumonia can be the end of a long terminal illness. The decision to care for the person with pneumonia in hospital will depend on the resident's wishes and overall condition.
Treatment of pneumonia may include:
Antibiotic therapy - people with pneumonia may be given oral or IV antibiotics depending whether the cause of pneumonia is viral or bacterial. This may last 5 -14 days. People with pneumonia need to take the entire course according to their doctor's orders even if they start to feel better.
Encourage adequate rest and nutrition - pneumonia symptoms will make a person feel very weak. It is essential people with pneumonia rest. Many people with pneumonia will require extra assistance with personal hygiene and meals.
Drink adequate fluids (as instructed by a doctor if on restricted fluids) - fluids can help loosen secretions and prevent dehydration. Older people need extra attention to ensure they get adequate fluids. People with diminished cough reflex will need special monitoring to ensure fluids do not enter the lungs (aspiration).
Pain relief - pneumonia can cause breathing difficulties, muscular aches and chest pain. A doctor will prescribe the most appropriate analgesia.
Promoting comfort and reducing anxiety - repositioning a person with pneumonia regularly can help clear the airways and improve breathlessness. Try propping a person up in bed with pillows. Coughing can also keep the person with pneumonia awake overnight. It is important not to suppress a cough with cough suppressants as coughing clears the airways.
Oxygen therapy - for people with low oxygen levels or chronic illness treatment of pneumonia will involve oxygen therapy via nasal prongs or facemask.
Bronchodilators - some people with pneumonia require bronchodilators. These medications given via a nebuliser or spacer will open the airways making breathing easier.
Vital signs - a trained nurse should routinely monitor a person with pneumonia for worsening signs of pneumonia. A nurse should assess an individual's heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiratory rate, mental status and pulse oximetry if available.
Chest physiotherapy - percussion (tapping on the chest wall) can help move secretions in the lungs and encourage cough. A nurse or physiotherapist may perform chest physiotherapy daily. They can also suggest ways to position a person to encourage movement of fluid from the lungs.
Infection control - if you are caring for someone with pneumonia pay particular attention to infection control. Start by washing your hands regularly especially before and after touching a person with pneumonia, sneezing, coughing, toileting and preparing food. Ensure the person does not come into contact with smoke and fumes or visitors suffering from cold or flu.
Always consult a doctor immediately if you are worried that a family member may have pneumonia or pneumonia symptoms have worsened.
Helpful resources
- For information on lung health and managing lung disease call The Australian Lung Foundation on their information and patient support line on 1800 654 301 weekdays.
- Visit their website The Australian Lung Foundation
Related articles
References
North West Melbourne Division
of General Practice
Clinical Information Sheet- Respiratory: Pneumonia
Accessed 28/05/09
American Lung Association
Influenza and Pneumonia
Accessed 28/05/09
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