How to Cure Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by an infection from bacteria or other causes. As the infection worsens, inflammation develops in the lungs and sufferers may experience asthma-like symptoms and develop a severe cough. Although serious, pneumonia is treatable. The key is catching the illness in its early stages. See a physician; do not attempt self-treatment or self-diagnosis of pneumonia.

Instructions

• 1

  Make a doctor's appointment. Pneumonia is different from the flu or common cold. You can treat or at least get relief from these illnesses with over-the-counter medications. Because pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria, doctors usually prescribe an antibiotic to cure the infection and stop the inflammation.

• 2

  Drink plenty of water. If you're dealing with a fever, drinking plenty of fluids, especially water can lower your body temperature. Additionally, water and orange juice can boost the immune system and speed recovery.

• 3

  Take pain medication. Antibiotics can effectively treat the infection. However, they don't treat pain and fever associated with pneumonia. To stop body aches, you'll need to take aspirin or ibuprofen.

• 4

  Get plenty of rest. Some people continue with their normal daily routine while recovering from pneumonia. This can slow the healing process; and in some instances, make symptoms worse. If possible, take a few days off. Rest gives your body the opportunity to heal.

• 5

  Apply a warm compress to the chest. Thick mucus can cause breathing problems, and excessive mucus can bring on an asthma attack. A warm compress helps loosen thick mucus. In turn, coughing brings up the mucus. If this doesn't work, take an expectorant.