Pneumonia

There is no specific treatment for measles, just providing necessary supportive therapy such as hydration and antipyretics. (Pneumonia may be a complication.) Vitamin A supplementation has been shown to improve the outcome of measles and is recommended.

The American Lung Association describes pneumonia treatment in detail for different types of pneumonia and for different age groups. Antibiotics, and supportive treatment are necessary: proper diet and sometimes oxygen to increase oxygen in the blood when needed. In some patients, medication to ease chest pain and to provide relief from violent cough may also be needed.

The antiobiotic "Ketek," made by Sanofi-Aventis, must now carry a bold-type warning about reports of liver failure and severe injury, some of them fatal, in patients treated with the drug.

The Food and Drug Administration approved Ketek in 2004. It is used to treat respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, sinusitis and community-acquired pneumonia. Through April, the FDA has received reports of 12 cases of acute liver failure, including four deaths, among people treated with Ketek. A fifth required a liver transplant.