How To Help Recover From Pneumonia

Post Pneumonia Care At Bella Vista Health Center

Bella Vista Health Center offers a wide variety of rehabilitation services for patients who have been diagnosed with pneumonia. Treatment plans are customized based on your individual symptoms and overall health conditions, but most will involve some combination of the following services:

• Medication Administration

Doctors will continuously monitor your condition and update your medication and dosage as necessary, eliminating the need to schedule additional doctor appointments or make inconvenient trips to the pharmacy.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Respiratory Therapy

Bella Vista has a staff of on-call respiratory therapists who can help you to recover your lung function and maintain healthy levels of oxygen in your body, while teaching you breathing strategies to better manage your symptoms.

• Nutritional Counseling and Health Education

Theres no need to worry about food shopping, cooking, or cleaning while you stay with us, since our registered dieticians craft meal plans for each patient to ensure theyre receiving nutritious and delicious meals.

• A Caring and Supportive Environment

We understand that dealing with the symptoms of pneumonia can be both physically and emotionally challenging. With an attentive 24/7 support staff, were here to listen to your concerns and help raise your spirits. At Bella Vista Health Center, we care for the mind, body, and soul.

Three Factors In Coronavirus Lung Damage

Galiatsatos notes three factors that affect the lung damage risk in COVID-19 infections and how likely the person is to recover and regain lung function:

Disease severity. The first is the severity of the coronavirus infection itself whether the person has a mild case, or a severe one, Galiatsatos says. Milder cases are less likely to cause lasting scars in the lung tissue.

Health conditions. Galiatsatos says, The second is whether there are existing health problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart disease that can raise the risk for severe disease. Older people are also more vulnerable for a severe case of COVID-19. Their lung tissues may be less elastic, and they may have weakened immunity because of advanced age.

Treatment. Treatment is the third factor, he says. A patients recovery and long-term lung health is going to depend on what kind of care they get, and how quickly. Timely support in the hospital for severely ill patients can minimize lung damage.

Why Does Recovery Take So Long

Almost everyone who comes down with pneumonia will ask themselves or their healthcare provider at least once, Why does it take so long to recover from pneumonia? After all, you felt better within a few days of starting your antibiotic or, in some cases, steroid treatment. Like everything else in medicine, there are many reasons why it takes so long to recover.

When bacteria enters your body, your body goes into defense mode to remove it. Somewhere along the line, you start your antibiotics, and in a few days, you feel better. This improvement is because the bacteria has been dealt with. However, your body is now in cleanup mode, removing all the debrislike the mucus in your lungs.

Your body starts working overtime to clear out all the trash left behind. Your body is using multiple mechanisms to move the mucus out of your lungs. This movement is why you experience a productive cough.

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Treatment And Prevention Of Pneumonia In Young Children

Pneumonia is routinely diagnosed using x-rays, blood tests and visual examinations, while the course of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the infection. As is the case with adults, if the childrens pneumonia is caused by bacteria, antibiotics will be prescribed, while the viral infection will heal over time. Similarly, children must lie in bed and eat a proper diet for the duration of the treatment. When it comes to preventing pneumonia in children, a shot called pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is widely administered. However, as preventing any kind of illness goes, good, balanced diet and lots of physical activity coupled by a good overall hygiene of the child go a long way.

Take Steps To Help Your Body Recover

The following steps can help your body recover from pneumonia.

• Choose heart-healthy foods, because good nutrition helps your body recover.
• Drink plenty of fluids to help you stay hydrated.
• Dont drink alcohol or use illegal drugs. Alcohol and illegal drugs weaken your immune system and can raise the risk of pneumonia complications.
• Dont smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Breathing in smoke can worsen your pneumonia. Visit Smoking and Your Heart and Your Guide to a Healthy Heart. For free help quitting smoking, you may call the National Cancer Institutes Smoking Quitline at 1-877-44U-QUIT .
• Get plenty of sleep. Good quality sleep can help your body rest and improve the response of your immune system. Visit How Sleep Works to get more information.
• Get light physical activity. Moving around can help you regain your strength and improve your recovery. However, you may still feel short of breath. Activity that is too strenuous may make you dizzy. Talk to your provider about how much activity is right for you.
• Sit upright to help you feel more comfortable and breathe more easily.
• Take a couple of deep breaths several times a day.

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How Is A Persistent Cough Treated

The most important step of treating a persistent cough is identifying and managing the specific issue or underlying health condition causing it.

Sometimes this may be as simple as reviewing the medications you’re taking and making a substitution. Other times it may mean a referral to a specialist for further evaluation.

For instance, a pulmonologist can help treat and/or better manage asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, IPF and other lung diseases a gastroenterologist can help with GERD and a cardiologist can help with heart failure.

With the underlying condition better managed, the cough should improve, too.

Also, cough drops and over-the-counter medications containing dextromethorphan can help suppress a cough that doesn’t dissipate entirely.

“Additionally, if your cough continues to be disruptive, your doctor can prescribe a stronger cough medication,” says Dr. Safdar.

Either way, however, cough medications alone aren’t a long-term solution to a persistent cough, emphasizes Dr. Safdar.

“It’s important to know that these medications aren’t curing the problem,” says Dr. Safdar. “They’re simply suppressing the cough. Symptomatic relief of your cough can help make your day-to-day life more bearable, but it’s still critical to work with your doctor to identify the root cause of your cough and treat it.”

What Is A Persistent Cough

When you have allergies or a cold, the resulting nasal congestion and postnasal drip can irritate the back of your throat. Some upper respiratory infections, like COVID-19, can cause inflammation in your throat, as can acute bronchitis and even the occasional bout of acid reflux.

“These types of temporary irritation and inflammation are very common triggers of a cough,” says Dr. Safdar. “But the cough should resolve with your other symptoms. For instance, once your nasal congestion clears up after a viral infection, your cough should clear up with it.”

This is why your doctor might recommend not only taking an over-the-counter cough suppressant, but also addressing symptoms contributing to your cough taking a nasal decongestant to help reduce postnasal drip if you have a cold avoiding the common triggers of heartburn if your cough is due to acid reflux.

A persistent cough, on the other hand, is a cough that lingers. Sometimes it might not have a clear cause.

“A cough is considered chronic if it persists longer than eight weeks,” explains Dr. Safdar. “At that point, we start to worry whether the cause might be a chronic health condition that needs to be addressed.”

Plus, coughing frequently comes with its own problems. Not only can a cough keep you awake and cause poor sleep, it can also lead to hoarseness, headaches and other uncomfortable and frustrating side effects.

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Can I Prevent Pneumonia

The routine vaccinations that most people receive as kids help prevent certain types of pneumonia and other infections. If you have a chronic illness, such as sickle cell disease, you may have received extra vaccinations and disease-preventing antibiotics to help prevent pneumonia and other infections caused by bacteria.

People should get a pneumococcal vaccination if they have diseases that affect their immune system , are 65 years or older, or are in other high-risk groups. Depending on the bugs that are likely to affect them, these people also may get antibiotics to prevent pneumonia, as well as antiviral medicine to prevent or lessen the effects of viral pneumonia.

Doctors recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu shot. That’s because someone with the flu could then come down with pneumonia. Call your doctor’s office or check your local health department to see when these vaccines are available.

Because pneumonia is often caused by germs, a good way to prevent it is to keep your distance from anyone you know who has pneumonia or other respiratory infections. Use separate drinking glasses and eating utensils wash your hands often with warm, soapy water and avoid touching used tissues and paper towels.

You also can stay strong and help avoid some of the illnesses that might lead to pneumonia by eating as healthily as possible, getting a minimum of 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night, and not smoking.

When Is Shortness Of Breath Serious

“You should always take shortness of breath seriously,” stresses Dr. Safdar.

Importantly, if shortness of breath is moderate to severe and occurs suddenly and especially if it’s accompanied by chest pain, lightheadedness and changes to the color of your skin it’s become a medical emergency that warrants a call to 911.

“This can be a sign of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism, which are both life-threatening emergencies,” says Dr. Safdar. “Additionally, the symptoms of a panic attack can overlap with these medical emergencies. Still, even if you think your symptoms are due to a panic attack, it’s important to go to the ER to get checked out and confirm you’re not in immediate danger.”

Then there’s the milder shortness of breath experienced on occasion with physical activity. While this isn’t a medical emergency, it’s not something to ignore either.

“Even mild shortness of breath can be a harbinger of a more serious condition,” says Dr. Safdar. “And if it progresses to the point where it’s causing you to modify your activity level, it’s definitely time to talk to your primary care doctor about your symptoms.”

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How Can I Help Myself Feel Better

If your doctor has prescribed medicine, follow the directions carefully.

You may feel better in a room with a humidifier, which increases the moisture in the air and soothes irritated lungs. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, especially if you have a fever. If you have a fever and feel uncomfortable, ask the doctor whether you can take over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring it down. But don’t take any medicine without checking first with your doctor a cough suppressant, for example, may not allow your lungs to clear themselves of mucus.

And finally, be sure to rest. This is a good time to sleep, watch TV, read, and lay low. If you treat your body right, it will repair itself and you’ll be back to normal in no time.

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Pneumonia Recovery At Bella Vista

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we know that pneumonia recovery can be a difficult time, and were dedicated to providing high quality medical care in a supportive and healing environment so you can heal and return home in good health.

Our respiratory therapists, physicians, nurses, and other team members will work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan designed to help you regain your strength, breathe more easily, and achieve optimal wellness. In addition to 24/7 skilled nursing care by the compassionate staff at our 5-star facility, youll also receive nutritional meals that support your bodys healing process.

Give us a call at , and lets start working together to help you achieve full recovery from pneumonia today.

Home Remedies For Symptoms Of Pneumonia

Depending on the origin of pneumonia, a doctor will prescribe medication to treat the infection, but throughout the recovery process, they will also specify:

• Getting plenty of sleep
• Eating nutritious foods
• Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated

In addition, some home remedies may help individuals manage health problems and enhance recovery. The following are some natural methods that may help reduce the severity of Pneumonia:

1. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and fenugreek tea

Many warm herbal teas can help calm a scratchy throat, but herbs may be more advantageous. A study found that herbs, including peppermint and eucalyptus, had a calming effect on an individuals throat with upper respiratory tract viruses. These herbs may assist in breaking down the mucus and thus relieve the discomfort and inflammation caused by pneumonia.

Therefore, tea made from ground fenugreek seeds, eucalyptus or tea tree oils may ease a persistent cough. People can use these in a diffuser as well. However, it is essential to note that overuse of oils can aggravate their existing symptoms.

2. A saltwater gargle

Mucus in the oesophagus and chest can trigger more enhanced coughing and irritation. Something as simple as a warm saltwater gargle may help dislodge mucus or germs in the throat, providing some relief.

3. Vitamin C

4. Rest

5. Ginger or turmeric tea

6. Warm liquids

Sipping on warm liquids can help warm the body up and limit chills.

Some examples of warm drinks include:

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How Is Pneumonia Diagnosed

Pneumonia in older adults can be difficult to diagnose. Your doctor will first request your medical history in which you may be asked things such as:

• your symptoms
• medications or supplements that youre taking
• your smoking history
• whether youve received your pneumococcal or influenza vaccinations

Your doctor will then perform a physical examination. Theyll check vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels. They may also use a stethoscope to listen for crackling sounds in your lungs.

In order to make a diagnosis, your doctor may also order the following:

• Blood tests. These tests involve taking a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The results can help indicate the presence of an infection.
• Imaging. Your doctor order imaging technology such as X-ray or CT scan to visualize your chest and lungs.
• Culture. Cultures can be taken from sputum or pleural fluid to help determine what type of germ may be causing your infection.
• Pulse oximetry. Pneumonia can affect the amount of oxygen that you can take in. This test measures the amount of oxygen in your blood.

Is There A Vaccine For Pneumonia

There isnt a vaccine for all types of pneumonia, but 2 vaccines are available. These help prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The first is recommended for all children younger than 5 years of age. The second is recommended for anyone age 2 or older who is at increased risk for pneumonia. Getting the pneumonia vaccine is especially important if you:

• Are 65 years of age or older.
• Smoke.
• Have certain chronic conditions, such as asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, or cirrhosis.
• Have a weakened immune system because of HIV/AIDS, kidney failure, a damaged or removed spleen, a recent organ transplant, or receiving chemotherapy.
• Have cochlear implants .

The pneumococcal vaccines cant prevent all cases of pneumonia. But they can make it less likely that people who are at risk will experience the severe, and possibly life-threatening, complications of pneumonia.

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What Is The Survival Rate For Elderly That Have Pneumonia

According to the Centers for Disease Control around a million people in the United States go to the doctor or an emergency room for treatment of pneumonia. Of those who seek treatment, 50,000 die each year.

With community-acquired pneumonia 10 percent who are admitted are placed in an ICU unit. Even in ICU, the death rate of people with pneumonia can reach 25 percent.

Survival depends on many factors. Age is an important factor and more elderly people succumb to pneumonia than any other adult group. Overall health is another important factor as those with existing health issues face a harder time fighting off pneumonia.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

As COVID-19 pneumonia progresses, more of the air sacs become filled with fluid leaking from the tiny blood vessels in the lungs. Eventually, shortness of breath sets in, and can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome , a form of lung failure. Patients with ARDS are often unable to breath on their own and may require ventilator support to help circulate oxygen in the body.

Whether it occurs at home or at the hospital, ARDS can be fatal. People who survive ARDS and recover from COVID-19 may have lasting pulmonary scarring.

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Best Home Remedies For Pneumonia:

Are you wondering how to break up pneumonia? Rather than fighting this sickness for weeks, its better for your overall health to fight it quickly.

These effective home remedies for pneumonia use simple, inexpensive ingredients you probably already have in your home, and they do not cause the unwanted side effects that come with commercial remedies.

Lets learn how to treat your pneumonia with simple solutions that you can brew up at home in minutes. One of these 21 remedies is sure to solve your problem.