The treatment of pneumonia caused by Legionella Pneumophila , also known as Legionnaire's disease, is usually done during hospital stay for 7 to 10 days, with the injection of antibiotics prescribed by the doctor, such as:
- Ciprofloxacin; Azithromycin; Levofloxacin; Gemifloxacin; Trovofloxacin; Erythromycin.
Infection with this type of bacteria is very serious and, therefore, many times, the person needs to stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) to keep vital signs constantly evaluated, in order to quickly identify whether the antibiotic is managing to eliminate the bacteria responsible for the disease.
In addition, treatment usually also involves the use of a continuous oxygen mask to reduce other symptoms of the disease such as difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, caused by the accumulation of secretions in the lungs. Know the other most common symptoms of legionella.
Possible complications
Legionella complications arise when pneumonia treatment is not started as quickly as possible and include worsening pneumonia, the onset of respiratory failure and even death.
Signs of improvement
Signs of improvement in Legionella Pneumophila pneumonia include a decrease in fever and pain in the chest and head, as well as a decrease in shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing.
Signs of worsening
The signs of worsening are more common when treatment is not started quickly or the antibiotic is not being effective against the bacteria and include an increase in fever up to 40ºC, increased difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath, as well as worsening of pain in the body. chest.
