Abstract

Proper treatment of pneumonia is dependent upon a correct diagnosis. Pneumonia may be due to infectious agents, allergic phenomena, or chemical causes. Treatment regimens are outlined for the various types of pneumonia—pneumococcal, staphylococcal, fungal, and pneumonia due to gram-negative and anaerobic gram-negative bacilli, to Blastomyces dermatitidis, and to the parasite Pneumocystis carinii. In discussing current concepts of treatment, several well-known methods are emphasized, as well as newer developments, knowledge of which is essential for optimal treatment of pneumonia.