Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the alveoli of one or both lungs. When this happens, the alveoli fill with fluid and the patient begins to experience cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. It is possible to treat this condition with antibiotics, antipyretics and cough medicines, although in some cases - especially for those with weakened immune systems, infants and the elderly - hospitalization is required. Despite the potential severity of pneumonia, generally healthy people can recover completely within 1 to 3 weeks.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: See Your Doctor
Step 1. Recognize the danger signs
In healthy individuals, pneumonia can initially manifest as a flu or a bad cold; the main difference with these other disorders is the longer duration of the feeling of being unwell. If you've been sick for a long time, it's probably pneumonia, so it's important to know what symptoms to look for. Specific disorders may vary from person to person, but you can usually notice all or some of the ones listed below.
- Fever, sweating, and chills that cause tremors
- Cough, which can produce phlegm
- Chest pain when you breathe or cough
- Shortness of breath;
- Feeling tired
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;
- Confusional state;
- Headache.
Step 2. Go to the doctor
If you have the symptoms described and you have at least 39 ° C fever, you must inform your doctor, who is able to advise you on the best treatment; this is especially important for particularly vulnerable people, such as children under two, adults over 65 and people with weak immune systems.
Step 3. Plan the healing journey
Once you reach the clinic, you need to undergo some tests to determine if you actually have pneumonia; this way, your doctor can recommend the best treatment or, in some cases, recommend hospitalization. When in his office, be prepared for a thorough physical exam; your doctor may also recommend further tests.
- Doctors auscultate the lungs with a stethoscope, in particular pay attention to crackles, gurgling or stertorous rales during inhalation, as well as areas of the lungs where breathing sound is abnormal; to get more information, he may also order chest x-rays.
- Be aware that there are no known treatments for viral pneumonia; in this case, the doctor will simply tell you what to do to manage the symptoms.
- If you are hospitalized, you are given antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and sometimes even oxygen.
Part 2 of 3: Feel Better
Step 1. Once back home, follow the doctor's instructions carefully
Pneumonia is initially usually treated with antibiotics, usually azithromycin, clarithromycin, or doxycycline; the doctor chooses the specific drug based on your age and medical history. When he prescribes your medicines, go straight to the pharmacy to buy them; It is very important to complete the entire course of antibiotics that are prescribed to you, respecting the dosage indicated on the package, unless the doctor instructs you otherwise.
Even if you feel better, stopping antibiotic treatment too soon can make bacteria resistant to the active ingredient
Step 2. Rest and slow down
Generally healthy individuals begin to feel better within one to three days of starting drug therapy; during these first few days, it is important to rest a lot and drink plenty of fluids. Even when you start to improve, you don't have to overdo it and ask too much of your body, because the immune system is still recovering. This is important, because if you do too much activity you can risk a relapse.
- Drink plenty of fluids (especially water) that help loosen mucus in the lungs.
- Remember to finish the entire course of medications prescribed by your doctor.
Step 3. Eat a healthy diet
Eating right doesn't cure pneumonia, but a good diet can help you recover. You should regularly eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables, as they contain antioxidants that are useful for the body to resist and heal from the disease. Whole grains are also important; they are an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that strengthen the immune system and increase energy. Also add protein foods to your diet, as they provide the body with anti-inflammatory fats. But be sure to always check with your doctor before making any significant changes in your diet.
- Eat oats and brown rice to add whole grains to your dishes;
- Try to consume beans, lentils, skinless chicken and fish to supplement your diet with protein; avoid fatty meats, such as red meat or cured meats;
- You never tire of repeating it: drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated and thin the mucus in your lungs;
- Some studies have found that vitamin D helps heal pneumonia, although there is no firm evidence;
- Chicken broth is a great source of fluids, electrolytes, proteins, and vegetables!
Step 4. Go back to your doctor for a checkup if needed
Some doctors (but not all) sometimes schedule an additional visit, usually a week after the first, to verify that the prescribed antibiotic treatment is successful. If you don't notice any improvement in the first week, you can call your doctor right away to make another appointment.
- Typically, the recovery period from pneumonia is one to three weeks, although you may start to feel better after a few days of antibiotic therapy.
- If symptoms persist for a week after starting medication, you may not be healing and should contact your doctor immediately.
- If the infection persists despite treatment with antibiotics, hospitalization may be required.
Part 3 of 3: Get back to health
Step 1. Return to your normal daily routine gradually and only if your doctor allows you to
Remember that it is easy to get tired early and therefore you need to calmly start your activities again. If you can, avoid staying too long in bed and be active without getting too tired. In theory, you shouldn't go about your normal activities for a day or two to allow your body to recover.
- You can start with simple breathing exercises when you are in bed; inhale deeply and hold the air for three seconds, then exhale with your lips partially closed.
- Gradually increase the effort at your own pace by walking around the house or apartment; when you find that it is not tiring, you can take longer distances.
Step 2. Protect yourself and your immune system
Remember that your immune defenses are weak as you recover from pneumonia; it is therefore a good idea to be cautious and stay away from sick people, for example avoiding particularly crowded places, such as shopping malls or markets.
Step 3. Be careful when returning to school or work
Given the risk of infection, you should wait to resume your usual activities until your body temperature returns to normal and you no longer have a cough or mucus; remember that if you ask too much of your body, you risk some recurrence.
