Pneumonia affects the airway and lung tissue. Inflammation caused by the body's immune response to injury or these pathogens can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Diseases associated with acute pneumonia include lung infection, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Diseases associated with chronic lung inflammation include emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. Anyone can get pneumonia, but there are several risk factors that increase a person's chances of developing it. In addition, the same risk factors can also aggravate pneumonia that has been suffered by a person.
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Method 1 of 3: Reducing the Risk of Pathogens and Airborne Particulates
Step 1. Reduce exposure to fungal and bacterial pathogens
Pathogens are microorganisms that cause disease. Certain species of bacteria and fungi can cause pneumonia. Exposure to these pathogens may be related to the environment in which you live or work. For example, Hot Tub Lung and Farmer's Lung which are two common names for fungal pneumonia. Mold can grow anywhere that is moderately damp. According to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “the key to controlling mold growth is moisture control.”
- To prevent mold from growing in your home, keep the humidity level between 30-60%.
- If you find mold in your home, clean the surface of the object it has grown on with detergent and dry it thoroughly.
- Prevent condensation by installing proper room dividers. Avoid installing carpet in the kitchen or bathroom because splashing water can make it damp.
- Use proper protective equipment such as a mask or respirator when providing moldy areas.
Step 2. Reduce the body's exposure and susceptibility to viral pathogens
Influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, which is an infection and inflammation of the lungs. Most cases of influenza do not cause pneumonia, but if pneumonia does occur, the consequences can be very serious. Both influenza and pneumonia can be prevented by vaccines.
- Talk to your doctor to see if you can get the influenza and/or pneumonia vaccine.
- Avoid contact with people with influenza and/or pneumonia.
- If you must come into contact with people with influenza and/or pneumonia, wear the necessary protective equipment such as masks, gloves or protective clothing.
Step 3. Reduce exposure to environmental air pollutants
Environmental air pollutants are found outdoors and come from natural processes, fire, and industry. Six pollutants are classified as air pollutants by the EPA, namely nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, ozone, particulates, carbon monoxide, and lead. These six pollutants are monitored by the EPA and controlled by a number of regulations. Particles that are less than 10 micrometers in size are very dangerous because they can enter deep into the lungs. Exposure to these particles can be very dangerous especially for those who already have lung disease.
- You can monitor the air quality index around where you live. Air quality information and several other guidelines can be accessed from the BMKG Air Quality Information application.
- If you are going to a place where aerosol particles or chemical vapors are present, you should use proper protective equipment.
- Prepare a mask or respirator. The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines for masks or respirators that are appropriate for specific exposures.
Step 4. Reduce exposure to indoor air pollutants
Exposure to indoor air pollutants can cause headaches, fatigue, and several other nonspecific symptoms. This exposure also sometimes causes all workers in the building to get sick. Indoor air pollutants that are commonly found are volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde.
- Create adequate air ducts so that clean air from outside can enter smoothly into the house.
- Remove all sources of pollutants if possible.
- Install a room air purifier.
Method 2 of 3: Controlling Body Health Care
Step 1. Study the disease in your body
To understand the relationship between your disease and pneumonia, you must study it. There are many helpful resources on the internet such as the Mayo Clinic, The American Lung Association, The American Heart Association, Cancer.gov, and Cancer.org. These sources provide specially compiled information for the general public.
- Record your diagnosis or have your doctor write it down.
- Ask your doctor for sources you can use to understand the disease.
Step 2. Talk to your doctor about the medications you are currently taking
Chemotherapy, radiation, and some drugs can cause pneumonia. In addition, there are other medications that can help relieve pneumonia if you are diagnosed with it. So you should know the risks of the treatment and the drugs used.
- Write down all the medications and treatments you are taking, or have your doctor write them down.
- Ask for sources of information you can read about these medications and treatments.
Step 3. Ask about medications that can treat pneumonia
There are a number of medications that can be used to treat pneumonia and diseases associated with pneumonia. The type of drug used in treatment is determined by your specific diagnosis. For example, if you have pneumonia, you may be prescribed antibiotics which will help kill the pathogen causing the infection. For pulmonary fibrosis, there are fewer drugs that can slow the progression of the disease. However, there are several new drugs coming to the market. Drugs that can treat pneumonia or are used to treat diseases associated with pneumonia are listed below.
- Beclamethasone dipropionate (an inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD)
- Fluticasone propionate (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD)
- Flunisolid (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD)
- Budesonide (inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD)
- Mometasone (an inhaled corticosteroid used to treat COPD)
- Cyclesonides (inhaled corticosteroids used to treat COPD)
- Methylprednisone (oral steroid used to treat COPD)
- Prednisolone (oral steroid used to treat COPD)
- Prednisone (oral steroid used to treat COPD)
- Hydrocortisone (oral steroid used to treat COPD)
- Dexamethasone (oral steroid used to treat COPD)
- Cromolyn sodium (inhaled nonsteroid used to treat COPD)
- Nedocromil sodium (oral steroid used to treat COPD)
- Amoxicillin (an antibiotic used to treat bacterial pneumonia)
- Benzylpenicillin (an antibiotic used to treat bacterial pneumonia)
- Azithromycin (an antibiotic used to treat bacterial pneumonia)
- Pirphenidone (drug used to slow the formation of scar tissue due to pulmonary fibrosis)
- Nintedanib (drug used to slow the formation of scar tissue due to pulmonary fibrosis)
- Ceftriaxone (an antibiotic used to treat pneumonia and respiratory infections)
- Oxygen flow (used to relieve symptoms of various lung disorders)
Method 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Quit smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for pneumonia, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. Chemicals in cigarettes not only cause cancer, but also change the function of the body's immune system. Quitting smoking can be difficult, but with the right support and planning, it can be done. There are many factors that cause pneumonia that you can't control, but smoking isn't one of them. Quitting smoking is something you can do to keep your lungs healthy.
- Try writing down your goals and what you don't like about smoking.
- Set up a support system. Discuss your plans to quit smoking with family and friends. Surround yourself with people who can provide support.
- Consult a professional practitioner. A professional practitioner can help you develop a plan for successful smoking cessation.
Step 2. Keep your immune system healthy
The main risk factor for pneumonia is a weakened or suppressed immune system. People living with HIV/AIDS, recipients of organ transplants, or those on long-term steroid use are the groups most at risk. However, there are several things you can do to ensure that your immune system is functioning optimally.
- Make sure to get enough vitamin C intake. Vitamin C and zinc are known to boost the human immune system as well as improve the healing of pneumonia and other infections.
- Enough sleep. Research shows that people who are sleep deprived are more prone to infections, and also require a longer recovery period from illness.
Step 3. Maintain a healthy weight
Although there have been no human studies linking pneumonia to obesity, animal studies have shown a link between pneumonia and chemicals produced by fatty tissue. Obesity is thought to increase the body's susceptibility to infection and lung damage due to environmental factors.
- Do 150-300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. Walking and swimming are examples of moderate-intensity exercise.
- Live a healthy diet. Consumption of high nutritional foods. Avoid processed foods and alcohol. If you need help putting together a menu, discuss this with a nutritionist.
- Do it consistently. Eating a healthy diet, exercising, and being around supportive people can make your goals a reality.
Step 4. Exercise your lungs, especially after surgery
The muscles around the lungs can be strengthened with exercise. This exercise can prevent infection and pneumonia, which many people are at risk after surgery. Taking deep, regular breaths can cleanse and strengthen the lungs. In some cases, you will be provided with a spirometer and a list of exercises. Follow your doctor's advice when it comes to lung exercises.
