The treatment for pneumonia depends on the type and severity of pneumonia. The infection usually does not lead to serious health problems; however, it might turn fatal in the case of infants, children, people with chronic health conditions, and those with weakened immune systems. In average adults, pneumonia might produce some mild symptoms like the flu, which can be effectively managed with the help of home remedies. Individuals at risk of developing serious symptoms require medical attention.
The recovery time may be anywhere from a week to a month.
The ways to treat the symptoms of pneumonia are as follows:
Use antibiotic medications
These drugs can be beneficial in fighting the bacteria that has caused pneumonia. It alleviates the symptoms of pneumonia and provides relief. Pneumonia can be caused due to bacteria, fungi, or viruses, so, the antibiotic will be prescribed depending on the type of infection. These medications treat the condition and speed up the recovery time. But, if the condition does not improve despite using antibiotics, then the person may need hospitalization or a change of antibiotic.
Take pain reliever medications
One cannot distinguish between flu and pneumonia, as the symptoms associated with both these infections are the same. Pneumonia causes body pain, fever, and discomfort. These symptoms can be managed with the help of pain reliever medications. According to the Mayo Clinic, OTC medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can relieve pain and discomfort to a great extent.
Drink plenty of fluids
Pneumonia leads to the accumulation of mucus or pus in the air sacs of the lungs. During this, the body requires more hydration than usual. You must keep yourself hydrated with water, warm tea, and broth-based or chicken soups. Soups are helpful in replenishing vital liquids, and they also take care of your hydration and will also be beneficial in managing cough. For cough, you can also ask your healthcare provider to prescribe some medicine like cough syrup, which will provide fast relief.
Moreover, you can also drink some tea to alleviate the symptoms and get instant relief. According to the medical information on Healthline, Fenugreek tea can provide relief from fever, ginger tea can have soothing effects on aches and pains, and turmeric tea can help in fighting off the infection. In addition, peppermint tea can relieve lung irritation by expelling the mucus.
Take a lukewarm compress or lukewarm bath
A lukewarm compress can bring down the body temperature and provide some relief from fever. Lukewarm baths can be soothing during such times, as it reduces body temperature and increases comfort.
Alleviate breathing problems
Shortness of breath and breathing difficulties are the obvious symptoms of pneumonia. This happens due to the deposition of mucus or pus in the lungs. According to PubMed Central, this issue can be addressed with caffeine, which is found in coffee. A warm cup of coffee can make breathing easy because it can help in expanding the airways.
Rest adequately
A condition like pneumonia can impact your health and leave you completely exhausted. The infection drains your energy and causes fatigue. During such times, one needs appropriate treatment in combination with adequate resting. Resting is essential, in this way, your body be able to devote more energy to fighting off the infection. It also speeds up the recovery time. Therefore, sleep is necessary to cure the infection.
Avoid smoking
Smoking must be strictly avoided during pneumonia. The hazardous chemicals present in the smoke can contribute to the worsening of this condition. Smoking during such conditions can increase the likelihood of some serious lung infections, which can be fatal.
Do some breathing exercises
Breathing exercises can make it easier for you to breathe. These are also helpful for clearing your lungs from the mucus. You need to breathe deeply and cough two to three times in order to push the mucus out of the lungs.
See your doctor
If the symptoms do not go away and start to worsen, you must see your doctor immediately. They will ask you several questions like how long you have been sick, how severe the symptoms are, and things of that sort. They will conduct your physical examination and suggest some medical tests. Once the results of the test are obtained, they will perform the diagnosis and begin your treatment. Pneumonia can be treated with medications and if the condition is serious, the person may need hospitalization.
Make sure you do not skip any medication and take the dose at the right time, as prescribed by the doctor. In case your condition does not improve, it is necessary to inform your doctor. This will prevent any life-threatening complications.
What are the symptoms of Pneumonia?
Given below are the symptoms one may experience after catching a pneumonia infection:
- Fever, chills, or sweating
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Coughing and phlegm accumulation in the lungs
- Fatigue
- Low body temperature
- Breathing difficulties
- Chest pain while coughing