Pneumonia is an infection that occurs as a result of extreme inflammation in the alveoli of the lungs. The infection can be bacterial or viral, and frequently occurs as a result of another infection such as the flu. While most people recover, the illness can be life-threatening in children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Exercise can help to prevent pneumonia; consult your doctor about other things you can do to prevent a recurrence of this dangerous illness.
Exercising During Pneumonia
With pneumonia, you may be tempted to lie in bed all day, but this can cause excess fluid to collect in your lungs. Sit upright for part of each day. However, strenuous exercise during pneumonia can overtax your weakened pulmonary system, resulting in serious complications, so avoid exercising until you are fully recovered. When you have recovered, exercise can prevent future bouts of pneumonia. A study published in 2000 in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" found that exercise decreased the incidence of pneumonia among women but not among men, but a meta-analysis of pneumonia studies mentioned in the textbook "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology" found exercise decreased pneumonia in both sexes.
Improved Circulation
Exercise increases the heart rate and improves circulation. Good circulation is closely correlated with healthy lung function, according to the textbook "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology." When the heart can pump blood throughout the body efficiently, fluid is less likely to accumulate in the lungs and infections are less likely to develop in the alveoli.
Increased Immunity
Over time, exercise can increase production of lymphocytes, white blood cells that fight infection, explains "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology." Because exercise also enables the heart to function more efficiently, exercise can increase the rate at which white blood cells travel to sites of infection, decreasing the duration and severity of illness and, in some cases, preventing pneumonia altogether.
Breathing Exercises
People susceptible to pneumonia can benefit from breathing and coughing exercises, especially when they are congested or have another infection. Proper deep breathing can help your body prevent infections from developing in the lungs and prevent the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, according to research published in the "Journal of the American College of Surgeons." Ask your doctor whether you can benefit from deep breathing exercises, and ask her to show you how to do them.
References
- Mayo Clinic Family Health Book; Mayo Clinic
- Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology; Gerald Audesirk et al.
- ScienceDaily: Surgeons' Pilot Prevention Program Reduces Incidence of Postoperative Pneumonia
- Archives of Internal Medicine; A Prospective Study of Age and Lifestyle Factors in Relation to Community-Acquired Pneumonia in US Men and Women; Inkyung Baik et al.
