Is Pneumonia Contagious?

Azithromycin (Zithromax, Zithromax Z-Pak, Zithromax Tri-Pak, Zmax) is an antibiotic prescribed for the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections such as

• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
• Tonsillitis
• Laryngitis
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia
• Sinusitis
• Uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections
• Mycobacterium avium complex
• Acute bacterial flare ups of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Acute pelvic inflammatory disease
• Several sexually transmitted infectious diseases such as nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis

Side effects include:

• Vaginitis
• Tongue discoloration
• Ringing in the ears
• Indigestion
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Drug interactions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.

Cefdinir (brand name Omnicef has been discontinued) is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections such as strep throat, E. coli, staph infections, streptococcus infections, ear infections, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. The most common side effects include

• diarrhea,
• abdominal pain,
• vomiting,
• rash,
• headache, and
• nausea.

Drug interactions include antacids that contain aluminum, magnesium, and iron supplements. Dosage, uses, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.

Chronic cough is a cough that does not go away and is generally a symptom of another disorder such as

• asthma,
• allergic rhinitis,
• sinus infection,
• cigarette smoking,
• GERD,
• postnasal drip,
• bronchitis,
• pneumonia,
• medications, and
• less frequently tumors or other lung disease. Treatment of chronic cough is dependent upon the cause.

Chronic cough treatment is based on the cause, but may be soothed natural and home remedies.

• anemia,
• mono,
• medications,
• sleep problems,
• cancer,
• anxiety,
• heart disease, and
• drug abuse.

Coughing is a reflex that helps a person clear their airways of irritants. There are many causes of an excessive or severe cough including:

• Irritants like
  • cigarette and secondhand smoke
  • pollution
  • air fresheners
• Medications like beta blockers and ACE inhibitors
• Medical conditions like
  • the common cold
  • GERD
  • lung cancer
  • heart disease

Natural and home remedies that help cure and soothe a cough are:

Natural and home remedies to help cure and soothe a cough are:

• Stay hydrated
• Gargle saltwater
• Use cough drops or lozenges
• Use herbs and supplements like ginger, mint, licorice, and slippery elm
• Don't smoke

Over-the-counter products (OTC)to cure and soothe a cough include

• cough suppressants and expectorants, and
• anti-reflux drugs.

Prescription drugs that help cure a cough include

• narcotic medications,
• antibiotics,
• inhaled steroids, and
• anti-reflux drugs like proton pump inhibitors or PPIs, for example,
  • omeprazole (Prilosec),
  • rabeprazole (Aciphex), and
  • pantoprazole (Protonix).

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is a progressive lung disease. There is no known cause of IPF. Symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath and/or cough
• Fatigue
• Mild fevers
• Muscle pain
• Clubbing fingers
• Ankle swelling

Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is directed at managing the signs and symptoms of the disease. The prognosis and life expectancy of idiopathic fibrosis is poor.

Pleurisy or pleuritis is an inflammation of the lining around the lungs. Some of the causes of pleurisy include TB, the flu, heart attack, some forms of arthritis, and lupus. The treatment for pleurisy is generally aimed at the underlying cause of pleurisy.

Primary immunodeficiency disease or PIDD is a group of over 250 genetic diseases that involve the immune system. Symptoms of primary immunodeficiency diseases depend upon the specific disease, but some may include:

• Enlarged spleen
• Abnormal blood counts
• Recurrent skin infections
• Digestive problems
• Frequent hard-to-treat infections

Treatment for primary immunodeficiency disease depend upon the cause.