Diagnosed with pneumonia yesterday, on a z pack. doc says to come back in 48 hrs if not better. should i be at 50%, 100%. i'm still wheeziing/coughing?

PNEUMONIA: Your doctor has given this antibiotic for 5 days, s/he will evaluate you after 48 hours. As long as your wheezing and cough is not getting worse, you can wait another day. Some cough is good so that you clear your lung. Make sure you follow the instructions your doctor has given, drink a lot of fluid. It may take a week or longer to be 100% cured if the antibiotic choice is the correct one.

Takes time: You did not share other directives from your physician, yet i would assume that you were advised to rest and avoid respiratory irritants. Any improvement in your symptoms would be indication that your treatment is having a positive impact. A 50% improvement in 48h would exceed the expectations of most physicians. If you remain uncomfortable or symptoms worsen seek their attention to adjust plan.

Possibly: Though zithromax is a good antibiotic to use for empiric therapy of pneumonia, it does not work 100 percent of the time. That said, two days is a bit early to notice a big difference. Even after the germs are killed, there is residual inflammation that must heal. If you are significantly worse, you should be seen; if you are not improved but no worse, then be patient with it.