SO YOU HAVE PNEUMONIA: PATIENT AND FAMILY CAREPATH
What is it?
How is it
treated?
Pneumonia is an infection in your lungs possibly caused by a virus or by
bacteria. Signs and symptoms may include shortness of breath, feeling tired,
fever, and cough. A hospital stay may be 3-4 days or longer if your infection
is complicated by other conditions.
Multiple tests and treatments may be done for this infection:
 Chest x-rays to evaluate the infection in your lungs.
 Blood work may be drawn to ensure the treatment is successful.
 A sputum culture will be obtained to ensure the medications are
appropriate for the type of infection that you have. Sputum is the material
that comes up from the lungs when you cough. If you are unable to cough
anything up, a respiratory therapist may assist you in obtaining a
specimen.
 You may be on oxygen to help you breathe easier and you may require
breathing treatments to help open up the airways and loosen the mucus in
your lungs.
What kind of
medicines will I
be on?
You will need to be on antibiotics. These will be given through your veins
for the first couple of days. The antibiotics may be switched to be taken by
mouth if you are able to eat and your fever is down. You may also receive
medications to relieve the congestion in your chest.
What should I do
to help myself get
better?
Rest is very important when you are sick, but it is also important to walk at
least 3 times a day if you are able. This will help you keep your strength up
and prevent complications from the infection. To help loosen the mucus in
your lungs, deep breathe and cough frequently. Good hand washing is
important to prevent spread of infection. If you smoke, please stop!!!
Smoking is not allowed at University Hospital’s campus. There are
educators that are available to assist you with quitting.
What should I
eat?
What happens
when I am ready
to go home?
You should continue to eat a balanced diet per your doctor’s instruction. Try
to eat several small meals instead of three large meals because it can help
decrease the shortness of breath. Drink plenty of fluids, unless you are told
not to.
You will be given discharge instructions by your nurse to include the following:
 Stop smoking and do not be around cigarette smoke.
 Fill all of your prescriptions when you leave the hospital and finish the
medicines as directed by your doctor – do not stop taking them just
because you are feeling better
 Call your doctor if you have fever, chills, worsening cough, shortness of
breath, increased sputum production, or if your sputum changes color from
clear to yellow or green.
 Drink plenty of fluids unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
 Eat a well balanced diet and stay active.
 Get the pneumonia shot every 5-10 years and a flu shot every year.
 Speak with your Case Manager about Home Health and any other needs at
home.