The treatment of atypical pneumonia lasts for about 21 days, and can be done at home using antibiotics such as Erythromycin, Azithromycin or Clarithromycin prescribed by the pulmonologist.
Atypical pneumonia is caused by microorganisms other than common pneumonia, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Clamydia pneumoniae or Coxiella burnetti, and during treatment antibiotics can be changed, increasing the chances of developing diarrhea.
Atypical pneumonia is contagious, so patients should cover their mouths with a tissue or mask to sneeze or cough to prevent transmission to others.
Signs of worsening atypical pneumonia
Signs that the treatment is not working include an increase in fever over 40 ° and aggravation of difficulty in breathing, which can result in rapid breathing and a flap of the nose.
Faced with signs of worsening, the patient should go to the hospital, as it may be necessary to do new exams, change antibiotics or stay in hospital to undergo respiratory therapy, receive oxygen or injections of antibiotic into the vein.
Signs of improvement of atypical pneumonia
When the treatment is successful, the patient should experience symptoms of improvement in the condition, such as a decrease in fever up to 4 days, a decrease in the amount of phlegm and an increase in the ease of breathing.
Despite the signs of improvement in atypical pneumonia, the medical treatment of atypical pneumonia should be maintained until the end of the antibiotic, preventing pneumonia from recurring or worsening.
Care in the treatment of atypical pneumonia
In addition to the remedies, patients should have some care during treatment, which include:
- Make nebulisations as directed by your doctor.
- Avoid going to work or school;
- Keep at home;
- Drink lots of liquids, like water, natural juice or tea;
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature;
- Wear appropriate clothing to the station.
These precautions are important to prevent pneumonia from returning or getting worse, causing complications such as respiratory arrest, encephalitis or myocarditis, for example.
Useful links:
- Atypical pneumonia
- Home remedy for pneumonia
