Therapy of dry pneumonia

The main pillar of the treatment of dry pneumonia is the causal antibiotic therapy. Usually, a suitable antibiotic is administered via the vein either as an infusion (intravenously) or in tablet form (per os) before or without clear pathogen identification on suspicion. Only if the patient’s situation does not improve or if the pathogen becomes known, the antibiotic is changed or, after the pathogen is detected, adapted to the pathogen detected.

In addition to the causal therapy, symptoms are also treated depending on their severity. Fluid intake (in extreme cases also by infusion) and, in cases of respiratory distress, oxygen administration by mask or nasal probe can complete the treatment. People suffering from atypical pneumonia are not obliged to stay in bed. On the contrary, light physical exercise in fresh air (e.g. short walks) and breathing exercises should be beneficial for recovery.

Duration of dry pneumonia

In general, one can assume that a dry pneumonia takes a little longer to be treated than a typical pneumonia. This is not least due to the fact that it usually takes longer for dry pneumonia to be recognized as such.It differs from a typical pneumonia in that the typical signs such as high fever, increased respiratory rate and sputum when coughing are absent. In addition, the antibiotics used in the treatment of dry or atypical pneumonia also differ, as the spectrum of causative germs is also different.

In addition, factors such as immune status, age and physical fitness of the patient play another important role in determining how long the pneumonia lasts. Roughly speaking, however, the duration of an atypical pneumonia can be assumed to be two to three weeks, whereas a typical pneumonia tends to last only one to two weeks. In any case, however, one should take it easy and follow the doctor’s instructions, otherwise the pneumonia can be spread. This may even be life-threatening.

Prophylaxis of dry pneumonia

While there are currently no vaccinations against dry cough (atypical pneumonia), there are some behaviors that can significantly reduce the risk of developing dry pneumonia. Above all, serious courses of disease almost exclusively affect people with previous illnesses or immunodeficiency. These severe courses can be counteracted by a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet and physical exercise play an important role in this respect. In addition, not smoking prevents premature damage to the lungs and abstinence from alcohol prevents a weakening of the immune system.