Trying to Breathe Effectively When Recovering from Pneumonia
If you were recently diagnosed with pneumonia, and you are at home recovering from the symptoms you are suffering from, you are most likely concerned about the restriction in breathing you are experiencing. When someone has a bout of pneumonia, the infection to the lungs will make it difficult to cough or breath. This, in turn, can make the pneumonia worsen as additional bacteria will build up in the lungs, possibly leading to more viruses and a longer recovery time. Here are some steps one can take to help with breathing difficulty when trying to recover from a diagnosed pneumonia condition.
Consider Speaking to a Respiratory Therapist
If you are finding it very difficult to breathe as a result of your pneumonia, a phone call to your physician should be made immediately. They will most likely want check you over to make sure your condition is not worsening. At this time, ask your doctor if they can recommend a respiratory therapist to help you with breathing solutions. This therapist will evaluate your condition and devise a plan to assist in increasing the amount of oxygen you are able to get into your lungs. This could be done with oxygen treatments or breathing exercises.
Try Deep Breathing to Clear the Lungs Effectively
It is important to take deep breaths several times each hour to aid in the clearing of your lungs. If you are unable to breathe in through your nostrils effectively, try pursing your lips to draw air through the mouth instead. Hold the air in for several seconds before releasing it back out slowly. Do this several times in a row and follow with a cough. This breathing exercise will help keep your airway clear and will help clear out any matter within your lungs as you are recovering from pneumonia.
Use a Device to Help with Rhythmic Breathing
If you have difficulty with the timing for breathing exercises, a spirometer may be a helpful tool. Ask your physician or respiratory therapist for one of these plastic devices to help you learn how to breathe properly. The device consists of a tube that you insert into your mouth as you breathe in deeply. This will then cause a small ball to move inside the tubing. Your physician or therapist will alert you as to what desired level within the tubing you should strive for when you use the apparatus. After you master the required ball movements, continue the process without the tubing in your mouth.
For more information about these and other respiratory care techniques, check out http://cornermedical.com/.
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