10 Life Saving Tips If You Contract Pneumonia

Surgery

Surgery is required for patients with pneumonia if a build up of fluid occurs in the pleural spaceor the area between the lungs and chest wall. When this happens, it makes breathing more difficult and the procedure, a thoracentesis, will be done to drain the fluid. The doctor will numb the area and insert a needle into the chest below the ribs to reach the pleural space. The normal fluid amount in the space is about four teaspoons, so all excess will be removed.

Quicken Recovery Time

No one wants to prolong an illness like pneumonia, and doing whatever is necessary to speed up recovery is important while in the middle of the infection. Bed rest is crucial to allow the body to rest and heal from the inside. Maintaining hydration by drinking enough water, broth, and other healthy fluids keep the system flowing and thins mucus. Thick secretions of lung fluid build-up can be reduced with a steam inhalation, and chest discomfort is relieved with a heating pad.