Viral pneumonia medical therapy

Revision as of 14:29, 27 September 2012 by Michael Maddaleni (talk | contribs)
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Pneumonia Main Page

Viral pneumonia Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Viral pneumonia from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Chest X Ray

CT

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Viral pneumonia medical therapy On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Viral pneumonia medical therapy

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Viral pneumonia medical therapy

CDC on Viral pneumonia medical therapy

Viral pneumonia medical therapy in the news

Blogs on Viral pneumonia medical therapy

Directions to Hospitals Treating Viral pneumonia

Risk calculators and risk factors for Viral pneumonia medical therapy

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Medical Therapy

Antibiotics do not treat viral pneumonia. Medication only works against influenza pneumonia. These medications are called antivirals. Treatment may also involve:

  • Increased fluids
  • Oxygen
  • Use of humidified air

A hospital stay may be necessary to prevent dehydration and to help with breathing if the infection is serious. You are more likely to be admitted to the hospital if you:

  • Are older than 65 years or a young child
  • Are unable to care for yourself at home, or are unable to eat or drink
  • Have another serious medical problem, such as a heart or kidney problem
  • Have been taking antibiotics at home and are not getting better
  • Have severe symptoms

However, many people can be treated at home. You can take these steps at home:

  • Control your fever with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen), or acetaminophen. DO NOT give aspirin to children.
  • Do not take cough medicines without first talking to your doctor. Cough medicines may make it harder for your body to cough up the extra sputum.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm.
  • Get a lot of rest. Have someone else do household chores.

References

Template:WH Template:WS