Can Pneumonia Get Cured With Antibiotics When I Don’t Have Cough To Bring Up Any Phlegm That Could Be Stuck?

Posted on Thu, 23 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 Answered on

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I was diagnosed with pneumonia on two days ago. I am taking antibiotics but I don't have a cough. How will l get this stuff out of my lung without coughing it up.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You may get expectoration.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It is commonly seen to start mucus expectoration after 2-3 days of antibiotic.

You can also start mucolytic and expectorant drug like Ambroxol, Terbutaline, and Guaifenesin.
All these will dilute the secretions and make them easy to cough out. Please discuss this with your doctor.

Even if you don't develop expectoration, no need to worry.
Antibiotics kill bacteria which ultimately stop production of infected mucus and so body start healing and finally pneumonia patch is gone.

So nothing to worry if you don't get expectoration.
Get a repeat chest X-ray done after 7-10 days of antibiotic.

Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further.
Wish you good health.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee