Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that can cause severe and lasting damage if not treated properly. While antibiotics are often effective at treating the bacterial form of pneumonia, it is possible for the infection to remain after antibiotic treatment. This is known as persistent or recurrent pneumonia.
In some cases, the initial infection may not have been completely eradicated by the antibiotics, leaving some bacteria still present in the lungs. In this situation, the infection can recur, requiring another course of antibiotics to help clear the remaining bacteria.
In other cases, the pneumonia may not have been caused by bacteria in the first place. In these cases, antibiotics are not effective and the infection will not go away. This can occur when the pneumonia is caused by a virus, which is not affected by antibiotics.
Pneumonia can also be caused by certain fungi, which also cannot be treated with antibiotics. The infection can linger until the underlying cause is identified and treated accordingly.
In some cases, the infection may linger even after the underlying cause has been treated. This is known as refractory pneumonia, and can be caused by a variety of factors, including an inadequate immune response or the presence of resistant bacteria.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience persistent or recurrent symptoms of pneumonia despite antibiotic treatment. Your doctor will be able to assess the cause of the infection and recommend the appropriate course of treatment.