How to Recover From Pneumonia
With proper medication and rest, most types of pneumonia are easily cured. Children and the elderly, and those stricken with certain viral strains of pneumonia, require a longer recovery period. Here are some basic guidelines to speed up and ease recovery.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Analgesics
- Facial Tissues
- Heating Pads
- Masks
- Thermometers
- Heating pads
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1
Take medication as prescribed. Most oral antibiotics are taken for 10 days.
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2
Reduce activity until your cough is gone.
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3
Avoid cigarette smoke and irritants in the air, and stay away from people who are sick. Your immune system is already working overtime.
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4
Wear a mask when you go outside in the cold air. Fresh air is healthful to your lungs, but cold air is not.
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5
Avoid cough suppressants. A productive cough will help clear the lungs of germ-ridden phlegm. Take an expectorant, such as guaifenesin, if ordered by your doctor.
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6
Take analgesics sparingly. Children should only be given acetaminophen.
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7
Humidify the air in your house with a vaporizer. Sit in a hot shower or bath.
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8
Check your temperature once a day. Any sudden spike should be reported to your doctor.
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9
Take lots of deep breaths. Inhale as much air as your lungs can take in, and then hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds. Exhale forcefully, but steadily. Repeat this 10 times. Do deep breathing exercises at least five times a day.
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10
Apply a heating pad to your chest if muscles feel sore and achy.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Take it easy. Chores will still be there after you get well. If you push yourself while you have pneumonia, you may lengthen your recovery time by two or three months.
Avoid dairy products if you find that they cause your mucus to thicken.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.
