Pneumonia, commonly referred to as lung inflammation, is a major infectious disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation of the alveoli and lung parenchyma, most frequently caused by bacterial pathogens, though viral and fungal agents may also play a role. Antibiotic therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment for bacterial pneumonia, significantly reducing disease severity, complications, and mortality. The choice of antibiotic depends on the etiology, patient age, comorbidities, and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Early initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy improves clinical outcomes, whereas delays or inappropriate use can lead to treatment failure and the emergence of resistant strains. Recent approaches focus on tailored antibiotic regimens, de-escalation strategies, and combination therapy in severe cases. Adjunctive care, including oxygen therapy, hydration, and supportive measures, complements antibiotic use. This article explores the role of antibiotics in pneumonia management, analyzing their mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, and challenges such as resistance. Evidence from recent studies is reviewed to highlight best practices in antibiotic therapy for pneumonia and to underline the importance of rational prescribing. Ultimately, optimizing antibiotic use is critical for effective pneumonia management and for combating global antimicrobial resistance.

Pneumonia, antibiotic therapy, lung inflammation, bacterial infection, antimicrobial resistance, empirical treatment, community-acquired pneumonia, hospital-acquired pneumonia, treatment outcomes, rational prescribing.

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