Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs in either one or both lungs. When inflamed, the air sacs can fill with fluid causing the patient to develop cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia may be treatable using antibiotics, cough drops, and fever reducers, although in some cases - especially for people with weakened immune systems, newborns, and the elderly - require hospitalization. Although pneumonia can be quite serious, it is possible for otherwise healthy individuals to make a full recovery within one to three weeks.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Consult a Doctor
Step 1. Recognize the warning signs
For healthy people, pneumonia can start like the flu or a severe cold. The big difference between the two is that the pain will last much longer when you have pneumonia. You may develop pneumonia if you are chronically ill so it is very important to know the symptoms of the disease just in case. The specific symptoms of pneumonia will vary from person to person, but usually include some or all of the following list.
- Fever, chills accompanied by sweat and chills
- Cough, possibly producing phlegm
- Chest pain when coughing or breathing
- Hard to breathe
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Confusion
- Headache
- Extreme fatigue
Step 2. Visit a doctor
If you experience the above symptoms accompanied by a fever with a body temperature of 39°C or more, immediately notify your doctor/medical professional. They can suggest the best course of action or treatment to take. This is especially important in groups susceptible to pneumonia, namely children under two years old, adults over 65 years old, and people with weak immune systems.
Step 3. Plan actions to recover
When visiting the doctor, he will perform a number of tests to determine whether the patient has pneumonia. If so, the doctor will recommend treatment or, in some cases, suggest hospitalization. When visiting the doctor, a physical examination will be carried out immediately and may be followed by a number of other examinations.
- The doctor will listen to the lungs using a stethoscope, especially the crackling, popping, and roaring sounds when you inhale, as well as the parts of the lungs that make unusual-sounding breathing sounds. The doctor may order an X-ray procedure.
- Remember that pneumonia caused by a virus does not have a specific treatment. The doctor will tell you the procedure / action that must be taken to overcome it.
- In hospitalized cases, the patient will receive antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and possibly oxygen therapy to treat pneumonia.
Method 2 of 3: Recovering
Step 1. Follow the doctor's orders properly after being at home
Pneumonia is treated primarily with antibiotics, usually azithromycin, clarithromycin, or doxycycline. The doctor will choose which antibiotic to give based on the patient's age and medical history. When the doctor has given a prescription, immediately redeem it by taking it to the nearest pharmacy. It is very important to finish the antibiotics given and follow the instructions written on the drug packaging, unless the doctor recommends otherwise.
Stopping the use of antibiotics before they run out, even when you feel your body has improved, can cause bacteria to become resistant to them
Step 2. Don't worry and relax
For healthy people, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor can usually restore the condition in at least 1 to 3 days. During this early recovery period, it is important to drink plenty of water and rest. While your immune system is recuperating, you shouldn't do too much activity even if you feel like your body has improved. This is very important because too much strenuous activity can cause pneumonia to recur.
- Drinking fluids (especially water) can help thin the mucus in the lungs.
- Again, take all the medication prescribed by the doctor.
Step 3. Eat healthy foods
Eating the right foods can't cure pneumonia, but a good diet can help your body recover. Colorful fruits and vegetables should be eaten regularly. These fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants that can help the body resist disease and recover. Whole grains are also very important because they are a source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals that can boost the immune system and energy. Finally, add foods that contain fiber-rich protein to your daily menu. Protein can provide anti-inflammatory fats for the body. Always consult your doctor first if you plan to make many changes to your daily diet.
- Try eating oats and brown rice to add whole grains to your daily diet.
- Try eating nuts, lentils, skinless chicken, and fish for added protein to your diet. Avoid fatty meats, such as red or processed meats.
- Again, drink plenty of fluids to hydrate the body and help loosen mucus in the lungs.
- Some studies show that vitamin D can help recover from pneumonia, although this has not been proven.
- Chicken soup is a great source of fluids, electrolytes, protein and vegetables!
Step 4. Clean and keep the house clean
By removing germs and irritants from your home, you can feel better during your recovery. Be sure to change the sheets, dust off, and sweep the floor to keep irritants out of the air. Turning on the HEPA filter in your bedroom every night can also help keep the air clean so your condition doesn't get worse.
Step 5. Practice breathing slowly with a spirometer
Breathing after pneumonia can be difficult, but a spirometer can help you take slow, deep breaths. Sit in an upright position and place the spirometer in your mouth. Exhale as usual, but inhale slowly. Try to keep the spirometer ball in the middle as you inhale. Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds before exhaling again.
Inhale 10-15 times with a spirometer every 1-2 hours or as often as your doctor recommends
Step 6. Try practicing yoga to help clear your lungs
Practicing deep stretching can help clear mucus and fluid from the lungs. Try some easy basic yoga poses like sun salutation, corpse pose, mountain pose, or knight pose. Make a few minutes of yoga a part of your daily routine so you can relax and breathe easier.
Massaging the area over the lungs can also help break down fluid in the lungs. That way, you can more easily remove the liquid when coughing
Step 7. Visit the doctor again if necessary
Some (but not all) doctors will schedule a follow-up visit. The visit is usually scheduled one week after the first visit, and the doctor will check to see if the antibiotics prescribed are working properly. If you do not feel any improvement after taking antibiotics for 1 week, contact your doctor immediately to schedule another visit.
- Recovery time from pneumonia is one to three weeks, but you should start to feel better after taking antibiotics for a few days.
- If symptoms persist for 1 week after taking antibiotics, this may be a sign that recovery is not taking place, and you should contact your doctor immediately.
- Patients will still need hospital-level care if infection persists after antibiotic treatment.
Method 3 of 3: Part 3 of 3: Return to a Healthy Body Condition
Step 1. Return to daily activities gradually and with the doctor's permission
Remember that the body gets tired easily and start returning to activities slowly. Try getting out of bed and doing light activities without getting too tired. Increase activity slowly to one or two activities per day to give the body a chance to fully recover.
- Start with simple breathing exercises in bed. Inhale deeply and hold for three seconds, then exhale with your lips half closed.
- Increase the exercise to a short walk around the house or apartment. Once the exercise doesn't feel tiring, start walking longer distances.
Step 2. Protect yourself and your immune system
Remember that the immune system is in a weak state when the body is recovering from pneumonia. It's a good idea to protect a weakened immune system by avoiding sick people and crowded places, such as shopping centers or markets.
Step 3. Rethink going to school or work
Given the risk of infection, you should not go to work or school until your body temperature returns to normal and you are no longer coughing up mucus. Again, doing too much activity can risk a recurrence of pneumonia.
