Pneumonia: Risk Factors & Treatment

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract, which is most commonly caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. Influenza virus infection can also lead to pneumonia, particularly in persons at an increased risk for developing the condition. Pneumonia occurs most commonly during the winter months. The condition may affect persons in the community (CAP or community-acquired pneumonia) or hospitalized persons (hospital-acquired pneumonia). Symptoms include shortness of breath, increased heart rate, cough, and fever.

Persons who smoke are encouraged to stop. The pneumococcal vaccine may be recommended for certain persons based on the risk of infection. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for the treatment of  pneumonia. Amoxicillin (Moxatag) may be prescribed for children. A macrolide antibiotic, such as azithromycin (Zithromax), clarith-romycin (Biaxin), or erythromycin (Erythrocin) may be prescribed for eligible persons who are otherwise healthy. Other medications that might be prescribed include doxycycline (Vibramycin), or  fluoro-quinolones such as moxifloxacin (Avelox) or levofloxacin (Levaquin). If influenza infection occurs with the pneumonia, oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are antiviral medications that may be prescribed.





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