Pneumonia
Home Treatment
Home treatment is important for recovery from pneumonia. The following measures can help you recover and avoid complications, such as further infection or a buildup of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall (pleural effusion
).
While you are at home:
- Get plenty of rest and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
- Take care of your cough if it is making it difficult for you to rest. A cough is one way your body gets rid of the infection, and you should not try to eliminate coughing unless it is severe enough to make breathing difficult, cause vomiting, or prevent rest.
- Consider taking acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ASA to help reduce fever and make you feel more comfortable. Do not give ASA to anyone younger than 20 because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.
You should not give cough and cold medicines to children younger than 2 unless your doctor has specifically told you to. If your doctor suggests medicine for your baby, follow his or her instructions exactly.
Always check whether any over-the-counter cough or cold medicines you are taking contain acetaminophen. If they do, make sure the acetaminophen you are taking in your cold medicine, plus any other acetaminophen you may be taking, is not higher than the daily recommended dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much you can take every day.
Your doctor may want to see you after a week of treatment to make sure you are getting better. Be sure to contact your doctor if you do not feel better, your cough gets worse, you have shortness of breath or a fever, you feel weak, or you feel faint when you stand up.
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| Author: | Ralph Poore | Last Updated: June 26, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology | |
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