How To Shake Off Pneumonia?Was

[Luang]

Got the flu around 6 wks ago, which then developed into pneumonia (x-ray confirmed). I'm assuming it's viral pneumonia. I was given a course of antibiotics (which are pretty useless anyway) and told to go back if it got worse.

Anyway, it hasn't got any worse, it just hasn't completely gone. My breathing is ok generally until i excert myself in anyway, then i'm quickly out of breath and it's getting a tad worrying. I'm used to running 6-7km and resistance training but can't do a thing now without getting breathless and breaking into a sweat! Plus, zero energy.

I'm taking vit C + zinc and electrolytes but i guess this is not going to clear up the phlegm that is hanging around forever in my lungs (just taken honey today too that heard may help as a decongestant) . Is there anything specifically for that OTC?

All thoughts and advice greatly accepted.

Luang

[FBN]

Starting on antibiotics too early, when it is a confirmed or highly suspicious viral infection, adds insult to injury as you may well select for a resistant bacterium that will play a role once the viral infection abates. This can now lead to a secondary infection. If there are still signs present of an active infection such a fever, discoloured sputum and generlly feeling ill, another course of an appropriate antibiotic may be needed. Phlegm alone is not a sign of an acute or ongoing infection and can usually be managed conservatively by taking mucolytics; either natural ones such as honey etc or commercial OTC ones but only products like Mucosolvon or Mucospect are exclusively mucolytic; avoid cough syrups which are made up of a concoction of mucolytics and cough suppressants or antihistamines.

Lots of fluids and do frequent steam or herbal inhalations; the most natural way of loosening up phlegm. In an environment where air pollution or constant exposure to air conditioning is a factor, the course of pneumonia may become extended and needs to be watched carefully for signs of ongoing infection as described above.

The lethargy and tiredness is not unusual after a significant infection and may take some time to resolve; general vitamin supplements (C and B group) should help.

[Sheryl]

Zinc is also very helpful.

Redoxan is a combination of Vit C plus zinc, sold in most pharmacies, Boots etc

[Luang]

Zinc is also very helpful.

Redoxan is a combination of Vit C plus zinc, sold in most pharmacies, Boots etc

It's not like you Sheryl to not read a post thoroughly! (I have exactly that - Redoxan )

Thank you both lots for taking the time to post advice. :jap: FBN, I have asthma so maybe the steam inhalation not for me right? What about the herbal stuff? I don't feel ill now as such, just listless etc. i'm just not sure if the virus is still in my lungs or just mucus. Therefore not sure if/when to head back to hospital? What do you both think?

Thanks again guys.

Luang

[Familyonthemove]

I had the same a few years back and the only way I could clear it was by forcing myself to run. I usually run about 10k a couple of times a week, but let this drop when my chest was bad. It only cleared when I started running again. I think the bouncing up and down when jogging frees up the gunge in the lung and the deep breathing clears it out. Tough when you re-start after an illness, especially in the heat - but worth it.

Come to think of it, there may be another to way to recreate the bouncing up and down and deep breathing without the running?

[FBN]

Steam inhalations are great for asthma anyway.. Try plain steam first..

One has to be a bit more agressive with antibiotic treatment with an underlying asthma as that tends to exacerbate any chest infection so a follow up visit would probably be appropriate. The virus is long gone by now; your immune system would have taken care of that. Secondary bacterial infection is the problem now but, as long as there is no bronchospasm, the lungs should be able to get rid of phlegm once it is less viscous.

The residual inflammatory reaction in the lungs after the infection is the cause of the phlegm; it is a natural body defense mechanism but needs to be able to drain otherwise becomes a culture ground for bacteria living there and that can lead to infection.

[bina]

if u are asthmatic than u should be reevaluated for asthma problmes and not just the lasting effects of pneumonia... blood gasses, etc.. its an egg/chicken thing when both are involved, as one can be identified as the other, then one causes the other.... both my kids suffer from phlegm problems and are asthmatic... so ventolin inhalations help as do inhaled anti mucous stuff (the stuff that helps phlegm get up and out) as well as plenty of fluids (cofffee and milk are NOT fluids)... water is.

breathing properly and also, coughing properly to get all the phlegm out helps alot... most people cough in effectively. u can google for the breathing and coughing hints i think they are on major asthma sites .... i definatley wouldnt try running and exerting yourself, but moving around and not laying around will help your lungs... which, btw, u might have anyhow. u can have two types at once, or finish one and have an other as someone mentioned... also, u can always get cultured if u werent and find out if its a chlamyidia or other type, the meds for treatment are dfferent (daughter had chlamyida -- the non zoonoses type together with pertussis, disguised as her asthma, it dragged on for months)

and dont smoke if u are a smoker.