If you've been diagnosed with pneumonia or any type of lung disorder, you may find it difficult to breath. For this reason, lung or oxygen therapy may be suggested by your doctor. A respiratory therapist will guide you through the exercises and monitor your condition. Follow your doctor's advice and guidelines regarding any current or post-pneumonia care and therapies for optimal health and healing.
Description
Pneumonia is a medical term defining an inflammation in the lungs. One or both lungs may be affected with pneumonia. Pneumonia is caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections, as well as parasites, according to the Mayo Clinic. Common symptoms include difficulty taking a deep breath, coughing and chest pain with breathing. While the elderly are at an increased risk of developing pneumonia following illness, injury or prolonged bed rest, you may develop pneumonia at any age.
Coughing
Forced coughing will help break up secretions, mucous and additional fluids in your lungs. Patients are advised not to stifle coughs and some doctors encourage the use of expectorants, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing is also called rhythmic breathing, and is a therapy often combined with active coughing. Such a therapy is recommended every four hours to help clear lungs and prevent symptoms from worsening. Deep breathing exercises can be done at hospital or home following instruction from your doctor or respiratory therapist. Tap the surface of your chest with your fingers. You can also ask someone to tap your back. Inhale as deeply as you can three or four times and then force a deep cough. This exercise focuses on loosening mucous and sputum deep in the lungs and may ease breathing difficulty.
Incentive Spirometry
A spirometer is a plastic gadget that comes in various shapes. One side of the spirometer contains one or two tubes with incremental measurements. Inside those tubes are small balls or a small rubber bevel-type tube that rises and falls as air enters the tube. On the other side of the gadget is a mouthpiece for you to blow or inhale. Place the mouthpiece into your mouth and inhale or exhale -- as determined by your doctor -- with a steady breath, trying to raise the bubbles, balls or bevel to a certain level on the spirometer gauge. Following the number of inhales, exhales or breaths determined by your doctor, you might be asked to cough. Rest and repeat as directed by your physician.
