How is pneumonia treated?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on February 12, 2025
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Pneumonia is a common disease in clinical practice, with patients often experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, and expectoration. If a lung X-ray is taken, shadows can be seen in the lungs. The treatment of pneumonia primarily involves addressing the cause. For instance, if it is bacterial, appropriate sensitive antibiotics are chosen for treatment. If it is caused by a virus, suitable antiviral drugs are selected, and for fungal pneumonia, antifungal drugs should be chosen. If it is related to allergies, anti-allergy medications should be used. Additionally, symptomatic treatment is applied, such as antipyretics for fever. Depending on the situation, medications for cough suppression, phlegm reduction, and asthma relief may also be used. (The use of medications should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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How many shots are in the pneumonia vaccine?

Currently, there are two general types of vaccines for preventing pneumococcal pneumonia. One type is the 23-valent vaccine, suitable for high-risk populations over two years old. The other type includes the 7-valent or 13-valent vaccines, which are for preventing pneumococcal infections in infants under two years old. Infants under two usually follow a "three plus one" vaccination regimen, which involves three primary immunization doses with at least one month between each dose, followed by a booster shot. Additionally, adults over two years old or other high-risk groups are advised to take the 23-valent vaccine, which requires only a single dose. However, those who are frail or have poor immune responses may need a second booster dose five years after the initial vaccination.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What should a child with pneumonia eat?

Childhood pneumonia is an infectious disease that not only presents symptoms related to the respiratory system but also may include symptoms from the gastrointestinal tract, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal distension. Therefore, the diet for pneumonia must be light and easy to digest. For instance, if the child is breastfed, the mother should consume a light and digestible diet. If the child is fed with cow's milk, the milk can be diluted appropriately to aid digestion. Supplementary foods can generally include thin porridge, noodles, rice paste, vegetables, and fruits, as well as a moderate amount of lean meat and eggs, but not in excess. Oily and spicy foods should not be included.

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Neonatology
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The function of the pneumonia vaccine

Pneumonia vaccines are generally aimed at preventing infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. There are two common types of vaccines: the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine, which is suitable for high-risk populations over two years old, and the 7-valent or 13-valent conjugate vaccines, which are mainly used for vaccinating infants under two years of age. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common and widespread bacterium causing pneumonia, and pneumonia caused by this bacterium is also the most prevalent worldwide. It is also the most significant pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia in children and a major cause of otitis media, meningitis, and bacteremia in children. The pneumonia vaccines mainly target common serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, such as the 7-valent or 13-valent, designed to prevent infections from seven or thirteen serotypes, respectively, while the 23-valent vaccine aims to prevent infections from 23 serotypes. These pneumonia vaccines play a significant protective role in preventing infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, however, they cannot prevent all cases of pneumonia.

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Written by Yang Feng
Pulmonology
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Symptoms of pneumonia in infants

Pneumonia is a particularly common infectious disease of the respiratory system. In infants and young children with pneumonia, the main clinical symptoms include fever, crying, vomiting, and so forth. Since infants cannot express their discomfort, it is difficult to make a diagnosis. However, when a patient presents with fever, we first need to consider the possibility of a lung infection. We can determine whether there is an infection of the lungs through listening to the chest, routine blood tests, imaging examinations, etc., and then treat the pneumonia with effective anti-inflammatory therapy.

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How long does the pneumonia vaccine last?

After receiving the pneumonia vaccine, the body generates an immune response that produces antibodies. Typically, these antibodies provide lifelong immunity. Patients with weak constitutions might need a booster shot every 3-5 years after vaccination, which generally can also lead to lifelong immunity. Vaccinations should be administered at local, formal medical institutions. One can visit the local centers for disease control and prevention to get vaccinated. During the vaccination period, if there are any adverse reactions, they should be addressed promptly. After receiving the vaccine, it is advisable to remain at the medical facility for half an hour for observation before leaving, to prevent the occurrence of adverse reactions.