Treatment

In most cases, pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, since the trigger is often bacteria. Both the typical and the atypical pneumonia are treated with antibiotics. In the case of atypical pneumonia, therapy is already started even if the pathogen is not yet known.Once this has been determined by means of a laboratory analysis, it can be switched to a corresponding medication.

In addition to drug therapy, old tried and tested methods such as a lot of sleep and bed rest also help. If the patient also has a fever, he or she should drink plenty of fluids because the need for fluids is increased. As a rule, pneumonia can also be cured at home.

For old people and small children, hospitalization may be necessary, especially if the symptoms are severe. Also, if there is an underlying immune deficiency or other underlying disease and complications, the patient is better cared for in hospital. In almost all cases of proper pneumonia, antibiotic treatment is necessary and sensible, as it is rarely caused by viruses, but mostly by bacteria, which can be fought by the right antibiotics. Even in the case of pneumonia that is not caused by bacteria, antibiotics are usually given to prevent the attacked lung tissue from being additionally colonized by bacteria, which could lead to a so-called superinfection that could worsen the course of the disease. The difference between typical and atypical pneumonia and the exact extent to which the symptoms occur does not play a role in the administration of antibiotics per se, but only in the exact choice of the preparation or active substance.

How contagious is pneumonia without coughing?

Just because pneumonia is not accompanied by coughing, it does not mean that it is not contagious. Pneumonia caused by viruses or bacteria is in principle contagious. The spread of the pathogens from person to person takes place through a so-called droplet infection, whereby the smallest particles of fluid are absorbed via the respiratory tract, which previously reached the air not only through coughing but also through e.g. sneezing or speaking. Nevertheless, the probability of actually becoming infected after inhaling pathogens is rather low, since an intact immune system forms a sufficient barrier against them in most cases and can avert an infection.