Measurement of the amount of oxygen getting into the blood through the lungs should be done either by a non-invasive finger probe called oximetry or by direct blood measurement using arterial blood gases. Treatment of pneumonia begins with a decision as to the best place to administer therapy. More than nine out of ten patients can be treated at home, but sometimes hospitalization is necessary. Home treatment means a person can take oral medication, fluids, and food and has enough help at home. If a person is very short of breath or has low blood oxygen, then hospitalization is best.
Antibiotics are medicines designed to either kill or inhibit microorganisms.
The commonly employed penicillin or Beta lactam family of antibiotics works by interfering with a bacteria's ability to manufacture its protective cell wall, causing the bacteria to swell and die. Other antibiotics like fluoroquinolones and macrolides interfere with the ability of bacteria's normal cellular function by interfering with its genetic material or manufacture of proteins. Antibiotics can usually be administered by mouth, but sometimes need to be given intravenously, either because of the severity of infection or because of the inability of the patient to take food by mouth. Duration of treatment varies, but normally is between one and two weeks. The increasing resistance of bacteria and other microorganisms to antibiotics is a major concern.