How is pneumonia treated?
Treatment depends on whether pneumonia is bacterial or viral, how severe it is, and the patient’s risk profile. Bacterial pneumonia is primarily treated with antibiotics selected based on clinical presentation and local resistance patterns. Viral pneumonia is usually managed with supportive care (rest, hydration, fever control, oxygen when needed) and close monitoring; antivirals may be considered in specific scenarios. Oxygen therapy is used when saturation is low. Severe cases may require hospitalization, IV therapy, and active complication management. Success depends not only on medication choice but also on adherence, timely follow-up, and seeking care promptly when warning signs appear.