Content

• Steps
• Advice

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. When inflamed, the air sacs can become filled with fluid, causing a patient to cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, antipyretics, and cough medicine, although in some cases - especially people with weakened immune systems like infants and the elderly - require hospitalization. Although pneumonia can be serious, healthy people can fully recover within 1-3 weeks.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Examination

1. 

   Know the warning signs. A healthy person who recently had pneumonia may look like having the flu or a severe cold. The biggest difference is that the feeling of being sick lasts longer if you have pneumonia. If you have been sick for a long time, you could develop pneumonia. Therefore, it is very important to recognize the symptoms of pneumonia. Specific symptoms will vary from person to person, but common symptoms include one or all of the following:
   • Fever, sweating, and chills
   • Cough, may cough up phlegm
   • Chest pain while breathing or coughing
   • Shortness of breath
   • Tired
   • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
   • Confusion
   • Headache

2. 

   
   
   See a doctor. If you experience the above symptoms and have a fever above 39 ° C, you should seek medical attention. Your doctor can advise you on the best treatment method. This is especially important for vulnerable groups such as children under 2 years of age, adults over 65 and people with weak immune systems.

3. 

   
   
   Get tested to determine if you actually have pneumonia. If you have pneumonia, your doctor will either recommend treatment or recommend hospitalization in some cases. At the time of your visit, you may need a checkup and maybe move on to some other tests.
   • Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs, especially for clicking, sobbing, and rumbling sounds when you inhale or unusual sounds in certain areas of your lungs as you breathe. In addition, your doctor may order an X-ray.
   • Note that pneumonia is a viral disease and there is no cure. Your doctor will tell you what to do in this case.
   • For hospitalization, you will be given antibiotics, fluids and possibly oxygen therapy to treat pneumonia.
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Method 2 of 3: Treatment

1. 

   
   
   Follow your doctor's instructions exactly when at home. Pneumonia is treated mainly with antibiotics, usually azithromycin, clarithromycin or doxycycline.Your doctor will choose a specific antibiotic based on your age and medical history. After getting a prescription from your doctor, take it to the pharmacy to buy it right away. It is extremely important to take your prescription antibiotics for the length of time and follow the directions on the vial unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
   • Even if you feel better, stopping your antibiotics early gives the bacteria a chance to become resistant to the drug.

2. 

   Take your medicine slowly and comfortably. For healthy people, antibiotics usually help patients feel better in about 1-3 days. During the early days of recovery, plenty of rest and plenty of fluids are very important. Even if you start to feel better, don't try too hard as your immune system is in the process of recovering. Keep this in mind, as exertion can lead to a recurrence of pneumonia.
   • Drinking fluids (especially water) will help destroy mucus in the lungs.
   • Take the prescribed antibiotics for the full prescribed length of time.

3. 

   Eat healthy foods. Eating good food cannot cure pneumonia, but a healthy diet can assist with normal recovery. You should regularly eat colorful fruits and vegetables because they contain antioxidants that help boost resistance and help you recover faster. Whole grains are just as important as they are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that improve immune system and boost energy. Lastly, you should also add protein-rich foods to your diet. Protein provides the body with anti-inflammatory fats. Always consult your doctor if you plan on making significant changes to your diet.
   • Try oats and brown rice to add whole grains to your diet.
   • Try more beans, lentils, skinless chicken and fish. Avoid fatty meats like red meat or processed meats.
   • Drink plenty of water to hydrate and thin the mucus in the lungs.
   • Some studies show that vitamin D helps in recovery from pneumonia, although this has yet to be proven.
   • Chicken soup is a good source of water, electrolytes, protein and vegetables.

4. 

   Follow-up if necessary. Some (not all) doctors will schedule follow-up visits. The follow-up visit usually takes place a week after the first visit to make sure the prescription antibiotics are working. If you do not feel any improvement after a week of taking your pills, you should call your doctor immediately to schedule a follow-up visit.
   • The normal time to recover from pneumonia is 1-3 weeks, although you should probably feel better after a few days of taking antibiotics.
   • Symptoms that persist for a week after starting your antibiotic may be a sign that you haven't recovered yet. At this point, you should contact your doctor immediately.
   • After treatment with antibiotics and the infection is not cleared, the patient may still be asked to re-hospitalize.
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Method 3 of 3: Return to normal operation

1. 

   Slowly restart your normal activities with your doctor's permission. Note that you'll burn out easily, so start slowly. Try to get up from bed and get active, but don't let yourself get tired. You can gradually work up to one or two daily activities to give your body a chance to fully recover.
   • You can start with simple breathing exercises in bed. Take a deep breath and hold it for 3 seconds, then exhale through your mouth slightly closed.
   • Increase activity by taking a short walk around the house. If you do not feel exhausted, you can increase your walking distance.

2. 

   Protect yourself and immune system. Remember that while recovering from pneumonia, your immune system is still in a weakened state. So protect the weakened immune system by avoiding contact with sick people and avoiding crowded areas like shopping malls or markets.

3. 

   Use caution when returning to school or work. Due to the risk of infection, you should not return to school or work until your body temperature has returned to normal and you are no longer coughing up phlegm. In addition, it should be noted that overactive activity increases the risk of pneumonia recurrence. advertisement

Advice

• Get a flu shot every fall. Flu shots are available at drugstores and can help prevent pneumonia.