How active can you be with pneumonia

The lungs are complex organs primarily made up of tiny sacs, or alveoli. Pneumonia is an infection of these sacs that weakens the structures of the respiratory system. So coming back to health after you have had pneumonia may take time.

Exercise increases your respiration and will be difficult until your lungs heal. Starting slowly and including a breathing exercise can get you back on the right track. Only your doctor will know whether you are ready to start working out again.

Return to your exercise routine after pneumonia only when your doctor has cleared you. Then, start at about percent intensity and slowly increase the duration and intensity of your workout each week. Practice breathing techniques to help strengthen your lungs. Pneumonia recovery can take a few weeks or several months. Signs that your pneumonia is improving after you start treatment include your fever breaking, easing of chest pain and reduction of mucus production in your chest.

You will likely still feel weak and fatigued , so respect your body and get plenty of rest. Do not smoke or allow others to smoke around you. The symptoms usually start out like the flu. They slowly get worse over a few days. Pneumonia caused by bacteria can come on suddenly with a high fever, fast breathing and coughing.

To check for bacterial pneumonia, a chest X-ray, blood and other tests may be done. Pneumonia caused by bacteria is treated with an antibiotic.

Symptoms should improve within 12 to 36 hours after starting the medicine. It is important to take the full course of antibiotic as prescribed. Stopping the medicine early may cause the infection to come back. Your risk increases if you are using a ventilator to help you breathe. Ventilators make it hard for you to cough and can trap germs that cause infection in your lungs. If you have recently had major surgery or a serious injury. Recovering from major surgery or injury can make it difficult for you to cough.

Recovery also typically requires a lot of bed rest. Lying down on your back for an extended period of time can allow fluid or mucus to gather in your lungs. This gives bacteria a place to grow. People who have any of the following conditions are also at increased risk: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD asthma heart disease emphysema diabetes sickle cell disease You can help prevent pneumonia by doing the following: Get the flu vaccine each year.

People can develop bacterial pneumonia after a case of the flu. You can reduce this risk by getting the yearly flu shot. Get the pneumococcal vaccine. This helps prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Smoking damages your lungs and makes it harder for your body to defend itself from germs and disease. If you smoke, talk to your family doctor about quitting as soon as possible. Practice a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables. Exercise regularly. Get plenty of sleep. These things help your immune system stay strong. Avoid sick people.

Being around people who are sick increases your risk of catching what they have. Is there a vaccine for pneumonia? Getting the pneumonia vaccine is especially important if you: Are 65 years of age or older. Have certain chronic conditions, such as asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, or cirrhosis. Have cochlear implants an electronic device that helps you hear. Pneumonia treatment Treatment for pneumonia depends on several factors.

If a fungus is causing your pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medicine. What can I do at home to feel better? Rest will help your body fight the infection. Drink plenty of fluids. Fluids will keep you hydrated. They can help loosen the mucus in your lungs. Try water, warm tea, and clear soups. Stop smoking if you smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.

Smoke can make your symptoms worse. Smoking also increases your risk of developing pneumonia and other lung problems in the future. You should also avoid lit fireplaces or other areas where the air may not be clean.

Stay home from school or work until your symptoms go away. To tube or not to tube? Insertion of a breathing tube and being placed on a ventilator increase the chance of developing pneumonia. If you are having surgery, ask the anesthesiologist if it can be done with a regional or spinal anesthesia. Protective coverings keep germs from moving from healthcare providers to patients. Take a deep breath and get moving! Taking deep breaths and moving around as much as you can also help reduce your chances of acquiring pneumonia.