How to Cure Pneumonia

Visit the doctor if you think you might have pneumonia.

Pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an infection from bacteria or other causes. As the infection worsens, inflammation develops in the lungs and sufferers may experience asthma-like symptoms and develop a severe cough. Although serious, pneumonia is treatable. The key is catching the illness in its early stages. See a physician; do not attempt self-treatment or self-diagnosis of pneumonia.

Instructions

1. Make a doctor's appointment. Pneumonia is different from the flu or common cold. You can treat or at least get relief from these illnesses with over-the-counter medications. Because pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria, doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic to cure the infection and stop the inflammation.

2. Drink plenty of water. If you're dealing with a fever, drinking plenty of fluids, especially water can lower your body temperature. Additionally, water and orange juice can boost the immune system and speed recovery.

3. Take pain medication. Antibiotics can effectively treat the infection. However, they don't treat pain and fever associated with pneumonia. To stop body aches, you'll need to take aspirin or ibuprofen.

4. Get plenty of rest. Some people continue with their normal daily routine while recovering from pneumonia. This can slow the healing process; and in some instances, make symptoms worse. If possible, take a few days off. Rest gives your body the opportunity to heal.

5. Apply a warm compress to the chest. Thick mucus can cause breathing problems, and excessive mucus can bring on an asthma attack. A warm compress helps loosen thick mucus. In turn, coughing brings up the mucus. If this doesn't work, take an expectorant.

References

• WebMD: Pneumonia - Treatment Overview
• MayoClinic.com: Pneumonia - Treatments and Drugs
• Cedars-Sinai: Pneumonia

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish