Treatment is then directed at the cause, when possible. For instance, antibiotics can be used to treat pneumonia. Medications can be used to control heartburn. Surgery, chemotherapy , or radiation therapy may be needed to treat a tumor or cancer. Side effects depend on the treatments used.
All medications have possible side effects.
For instance, antibiotics may cause allergic reactions , stomach upset, or headache. A ventilator may cause damage to the lungs or cause a lung infection. Surgery carries a risk of bleeding and infection. Severe wheezing from almost any cause may result in death if treatment is unsuccessful. What happens after treatment otherwise depends on the cause.