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Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia is a lung infection in which bacteria trigger inflammation and fluid within the air sacs, causing cough, fever and breathing symptoms.

Zithromax

Azithromycin

100 · 250 · 500 · 1000mg

Indicated to address bacterial infections, this medication is developed to target harmful microorganisms, helping to manage your respiratory and skin health effectively.

From$0.43/ tabletView

Avelox

Moxifloxacin

400mg

Utilized to treat various bacterial infections to mitigate the progression of the illness.

From$6.63/ tabletView

Key takeaways

  • Examination, oxygen level and sometimes chest imaging establish pneumonia more reliably than sputum colour alone.
  • Severity, age, other illnesses and ability to eat and drink determine whether treatment can safely occur at home.
  • Antibiotic choice differs for community, healthcare and aspiration settings and should be reviewed as results become available.

The listings below do not confirm pneumonia or determine safe place of care; respiratory assessment is required.

Assessing severity and cause

Symptoms may include fever, productive or dry cough, chest pain on breathing, confusion or breathlessness. Clinicians check respiratory rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation. Chest X-ray can support diagnosis, while blood or sputum testing is more useful in severe or treatment-resistant illness.

Treatment and follow-up

Antibiotics are selected according to likely organisms, allergy, kidney and liver function, recent exposure and local resistance. Fluids, oxygen and treatment of complications may be needed. Failure to improve should prompt reassessment for resistant organisms, fluid around the lung, abscess or a non-infectious diagnosis.

When to seek urgent care

Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, blue or grey lips, confusion, fainting, chest pain, coughing blood, very low urine output or inability to keep fluids down.