Pneumonia is a infectious disease caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, causing an inflammation of the lungs that hinders gas exchange. Symptoms of pneumonia often resemble those of the flu and can include a cough, fever, breathing difficulties, sweating, chest pain, muscle pain and fatigue. Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening, so consult a physician for a diagnosis and treatment, and to make sure these exercises are right for you.
Treatment
The treatment for pneumonia depends on the microbe that has caused the infection. Bacterial pneumonia is most commonly treated with antibiotics. However, antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains have become more common, which can make treatment difficult sometimes. Viral pneumonia may be treated with antivirals. Your doctor may also recommend fever-reducing medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen and/or cough medicine to treat the symptoms of pneumonia.
Rhythmic Breathing
Rhythmic breathing and coughing exercises are often recommended for pneumonia. The goal of the exercise is to remove sputum from the lungs and enhance gas exchange. The exercise begins with a light tap to the chest and to the back to loosen mucus within the lungs. The "New York Times" Health Guide says you should inhale deeply and rhythmically three to four times, followed by a deep cough to produce and expel sputum. Do rhythmic breathing exercises every four hours.
Devices
Breathing therapy also includes learning correct breathing patterns, called diaphragmatic respiration. This is done inhaling fully to fill lungs with air, followed by a slow, relaxed exhalation. You may need to do breathing exercises with respiratory devices such as a Frolov's device or an incentive spirometer. Doing breathing exercises with respiratory devices can improve sputum removal and breathing and may reduce hyperventilation.
Benefits
Breathing exercises have several positive effects for patients with pneumonia. They help minimize the work your breathing muscles do. This can reduce airway obstruction, relieve shortness of breath and breathing difficulty, reduce oxygen loss and ensure that you have an adequate ventilation rate. Recovery from pneumonia may take 6 to 12 months, so do not quit doing exercises before your doctor prescribes. Breathing exercises ease your symptoms, make you feel a bit better and even advance your recovery.
