How long can pneumonia last in adults?

It may take time to recover from pneumonia. Some people feel better and are able to return to their normal routines in 1 to 2 weeks. For others, it can take a month or longer. Most people continue to feel tired for about a month.


What happens when pneumonia doesn't go away?

If your pneumonia isn't treated, the pleura can get swollen, creating a sharp pain when you breathe in. If you don't treat the swelling, the area between the pleura may fill with fluid, which is called a pleural effusion. If the fluid gets infected, it leads to a problem called empyema.

How long does it take for pneumonia to clear up?

4 weeks – chest pain and mucus production should have substantially reduced. 6 weeks – cough and breathlessness should have substantially reduced. 3 months – most symptoms should have resolved, but you may still feel very tired (fatigue) 6 months – most people will feel back to normal.


What are the danger signs of pneumonia?

See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher, or persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up pus. It's especially important that people in these high-risk groups see a doctor: Adults older than age 65.

Can pneumonia stay in your lungs for months?

"Pneumonia is a serious illness that can take quite a toll on a person's lungs and body. It can take anywhere from a week to several months to fully recover from it," says Dr.


How long is the Hospitalization for Pneumonia



What is the strongest antibiotic for pneumonia?

Azithromycin is a first-line treatment for healthy adults under age 65 with bacterial pneumonia. It is often paired with another antibiotic like doxycycline or amoxicillin. Azithromycin is currently being studied for its effectiveness in treating secondary bacterial pneumonia that is sometimes associated with COVID-19.

Why is it taking me so long to recover from pneumonia?

One reason that it takes so long for people to recover from pneumonia is because of all of the byproducts and debris that is left behind in the lung tissue. While antibiotics help kill the bacteria, your body's internal weaponry must then work to clear your lungs.

What helps pneumonia go away faster?

The typical pneumonia treatment plan consists of rest, antibiotics, and increased fluid intake. You should take it easy even if your symptoms begin to subside. Depending on the cause of pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication instead of an antibiotic.


When should you go to the ER for pneumonia?

See your doctor to rule out pneumonia if shortness of breath, cough, or chest congestion also develop. Seek emergency care at a Dignity Health ER or urgent care clinic for the following symptoms: Bluish color of the lips or fingernails. Confusion or lethargy.

How do you know if you need to be hospitalized for pneumonia?

Anyone who is having trouble breathing or other severe symptoms should immediately be taken to the ER. Additionally, people in these groups who are experiencing pneumonia-like symptoms should come to the ER: Infants and small children. Seniors over age 65.

What is the best treatment for pneumonia?

The main treatment for bacterial pneumonia is antibiotics. You should also rest and drink plenty of water. If you're diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia, your doctor should give you antibiotics to take within four hours.


How do you test for pneumonia?

A chest X-ray is often used to diagnose pneumonia. Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) see whether your immune system is fighting an infection. Pulse oximetry measures how much oxygen is in your blood. Pneumonia can keep your lungs from getting enough oxygen into your blood.

Can pneumonia come back after antibiotics?

Pneumonia can come back in full force as you recover. A big part of achieving full recovery is taking it slow as you return to everyday life. Don't be afraid to ask for help as you recover. Recovering without any help can be difficult, overwhelming, and potentially create a longer recovery.

Does lying down make pneumonia worse?

Pneumonia impacts sleep by making it difficult to breathe while lying in bed. The pain or discomfort from the illness may also prevent you from sleeping, or excessive coughing and congestion can keep you awake.


What is the most common complication of pneumonia?

Acute respiratory distress (ARDS) and respiratory failure are the most common complications of serious pneumonia.

What is the most serious complication of pneumonia?

Sepsis. Sepsis is a particularly dangerous pneumonia complication. A life-threatening condition, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if left untreated. Those with chronic health problems or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of developing sepsis from an infection like pneumonia.

Where do you hurt with pneumonia?

Chest pain is one of the most common symptoms of pneumonia. Chest pain is caused by the membranes in the lungs filling with fluid. This creates pain that can feel like a heaviness or stabbing sensation and usually worsens with coughing, breathing or laughing.


How long will hospital keep you for pneumonia?

According to the most recent national data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the average length of stay for pneumonia in the U.S. was 5.4 days.

How do you clear your lungs after pneumonia?

Drink warm beverages, take steamy baths and use a humidifier to help open your airways and ease your breathing. Contact your doctor right away if your breathing gets worse instead of better over time. Stay away from smoke to let your lungs heal. This includes smoking, secondhand smoke and wood smoke.

Can I beat pneumonia without antibiotics?

Antibiotics are generally prescribed based on the type of bacterium that's causing your pneumonia, but you can often recover from atypical pneumonia on your own. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics only if you have bacterial pneumonia.


Can you naturally fight pneumonia?

It is a serious condition, and home remedies will not treat or cure it. However, certain home remedies may help ease the symptoms and enhance healing during the recovery period. Pneumonia can be life threatening. Medical help is essential, and many people will need to spend time in the hospital.

Why is my pneumonia not getting better?

Why does it take so long to recover from pneumonia? One reason is that the detritus from an infection of the lung is hard to clear. Antibiotics kill the bacteria, but all the weaponry your body produced to fight the bacteria — mucus, essentially, or sputum, as it's called once you cough it up — is left behind.

How do you regain strength from pneumonia?

Drink plenty of fluids and get a lot of rest while you're recovering. If you smoke, it's important to quit. If you continue smoking, it will probably take longer for you to recover, and you're more likely to get pneumonia again. While you're resting in bed, turn over at least every hour while you're awake.


Which is worse viral or bacterial pneumonia?

Bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia, which often resolves on its own. Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs. Pneumonia in both of your lungs is called bilateral or double pneumonia.

Does your back hurt when you have pneumonia?

Pneumonia or Chest Infection

Those who suffer from pneumonia or a chest infection can feel upper back pain, or pain throughout the torso, when they breathe. These conditions usually come with fever, coughing up green or yellow mucus, and other indicative symptoms.