Pneumonia is a type of lung infection, caused by a virus or bacteria. Symptoms may be difficult breathing with pain that runs through the chest on inhalation, cough, headache and fever. It is characterized by the collection of fluid in the lung tissues.
The most common signs and symptoms of pneumonia; malaise and decreased appetite, fever, cough (productive or non productive), difficulty breathing, chest pain (sharp and localized, worsens when you inhale deeply or are coughing) and excessive sweating. If you are having any of these signs or symptoms you should consult a doctor.
To treat pneumonia:
- Make a doctor's appointment. Pneumonia is different from the flu or common cold. You can treat these illnesses with over-the-counter medications. Because pneumonia involves inflammation of the lungs, you'll need an antibiotic to cure the infection and stop the inflammation.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- To relieve congestion, 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, your doctor can recommend an expectorant to help loosen the mucus.
