Pneumonia was once a lung infection that was more common among children under two years, and the very elderly. However, today, we’re witnessing an alarming increase in pneumonia cases, with the rising air pollution adversely affecting lung functioning. Recovering from pneumonia can take some time, but here are some tips that can speed up the healing process.
The Diet Route
When it comes to faster recovery, managing overall health and boosting immunity become crucial. Try to avoid processed and pre-packaged foods, as they fail to offer essential vitamins and minerals. Changing to a diet which includes whole grains, vitamin-laden fruit, citrus fruits such as berries, oranges, papayas, leafy greens, oily fish, and probiotic-rich food, will aid in quicker recovery.
Fluid Intake
Fluids such as soups, herbal teas and warm water are often prescribed to people suffering from respiratory illnesses, in order to hasten recovery. This is because patients often lose their appetites and can only bring themselves to drink fluids instead of eating. These soups and teas could thus be the only nourishment they receive. They are also important because the labored breathing during respiratory illnesses puts pressure on the respiratory rate; which means there is fluid loss during breathing. Thus, fluid intake is recommended to mitigate dehydration.
The Vaccine Way
Since the intake of antibiotics is on the rise, a lot of the population is becoming anti-microbial resistant. Pneumococcus, the bacterium which can cause pneumonia, is anti-microbial resistant. Pneumococcal vaccines or flu shots will help in fighting this resistance, preventing pneumonia in a high percentage of cases. And, according to research, even if the vaccine cannot prevent the infection, it can apparently aid in reducing the severity of symptoms, which in turn will help save on treatment costs too. At-risk patients and elderly folk can consider getting this vaccine since they are more susceptible.
Vitamin Magic
One of the best ways to treat pneumonia is to remember that your overall health is also important. While you will no doubt be prescribed antibiotics for pneumonia, it is well known that Vitamin C boosts immunity and aids in recovery. Oral ingestion of Vitamin C has also been shown to quicken the cure of pneumonia in medical trials.
Breathing to Recovery
One of the common symptoms of pneumonia is fluid retention in the lungs. This is why coughing is actually a mechanism of the body to clear the lungs of irritants. Deep breathing and pranayama (a yogic breathing exercise) have been shown to improve pneumonia and respiratory disorders.
Do you have any more tips that have helped you, or a loved one, recover faster from pneumonia? Do share in the comment section below!