Lung infections can have a negative impact on your health.Mild lung infections, such as the chest congestion associated with the common cold, can be difficult to deal with but are usually easy to cure.It will take more time and effort to clear up lung infections that are more serious.Many of them can be cured with proper medical care and lifestyle changes.
Step 1: Drink lots of fluids.
Drinking water and other clear liquids can help you get rid of the phlegm in your lungs.Try to drink water throughout the day.Warm liquids, such as tea and broth, can help loosen phlegm in your lungs.It will help to reduce your chances of developing a chronic lung infection.Sports drinks and fruit juices have a lot of sugar, so keep that in mind when choosing a good source of fluids.
Step 2: Get lots of rest.
Your body needs to rest so that it can eliminate your infections.When you have a lung infection, try to rest and not exert yourself too much.Stay home from work or school, stay in bed, and avoid exercising.Try to get a full night's sleep every night if you can't rest completely.Staying home from school or work can be hard, but remember that if you have a lung infection, you could be spreading it to other people.If you have a lung infection, use pillows to prop yourself up so you don't get flat on your back.
Step 3: You can use a hot shower or a humidifier.
It is possible to get hot, moist air into your lungs.It will allow you to breathe easier if you are congested.Another way to get steam into your lungs is to cover your head with a towel and place a bowl of hot water over your face.For a while, sit and breathe in the steamy air.It's a good idea to keep a humidifier in your bedroom.It's a good idea to clean your humidifier regularly.
Step 4: Do breathing exercises.
A series of deep breaths draw oxygen into your body.Your breath should be slow and steady as you breathe in and out.Stop breathing if you start to get dizzy or lightheaded.Breathing exercises increase the amount of oxygen your lungs can take in and expel carbon dioxide.You should pay attention to the quality of your breathing during these exercises.It's a good idea to see a doctor if your breathing is labored or difficult.belly breathing, also known as diaphragmatic, helps to bring oxygen into your lungs.
Step 5: Get mucus out of your lungs with an expectorant.
If you have an illness that creates a lot of mucus in your lungs, it can make breathing hard and you can't always cough it out.Guaifenesin is an over-the-counter expectorant that can break up mucus.Since the goal is to cough up the fluid in your chest, it's best to not take both cough suppression and expectorant medications at the same time.Talk to your doctor about the over-the-counter medications that you are considering taking if you're worried about drug interactions.
Step 6: If you want to break up mucus, try the percussion of a massager.
Ask a friend, partner, or family member to pat you on the back as you lean forward or to hold a back massager against your back.If you have mucus in your lungs, this may help.
Step 7: The strong scent of the cream will make it easier to breathe.
All drug stores have this type of cream.It is applied to the chest to help with breathing.
Step 8: Use a supplement or natural remedy.
Natural remedies and supplements that claim to improve lung function and your immune system are available over-the-counter.Many people take vitamins to boost their immune systems.Glutathione L-glutamine may help to heal the lining of your gut if you take vitamins and supplements.If you fill a mug with warm water, you can add honey, lemon juice, and ginger.It is still warm so drink it while it is warm.
Step 9: If you can't cure the infection in a couple weeks, you should see your doctor.
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you have a lung infection for more than 2 weeks.Tell them about your symptoms and how long they've been going on.Your doctor will do a preliminary examination to discuss your illness.They should listen to your breathing with a stethoscope.
Step 10: You should have testing done to find out what kind of infections you have.
If you have lung symptoms, your doctor may want to do diagnostic testing in order to give you a reliable diagnosis.A sputum test is one of the tests that can be done on the lungs.A pulse oximetry test can be done to check the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream.If your condition is serious enough to cause you to be hospitalized, the medical staff may perform a bronchoscopy, a procedure that looks into your lungs.
Step 11: Take medication to get rid of the problem.
If you have a serious lung infection, your doctor will likely prescribe medication.Depending on the cause of the lung infection, they will prescribe antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals.Talk to your doctor about any other drugs you are taking to make sure there are no drug interactions.Follow your doctor's instructions.Even if the infection has cleared up, take the medication for as long as is prescribed.If you stop your medication too early, the infection can come back even stronger and you won't be able to cure it.
Step 12: If you have an ongoing lung condition, you should consult with a specialist.
It's important to get specialized medical care if you have a chronic lung condition.If your primary care physician doesn't refer you to a specialist, you can ask them if it's an option.A pulmonologist is a doctor that deals with lungs.
Step 13: Stop smoking.
Smoking can have a serious impact on the health of your lungs.Start a smoking cessation program with the help of a doctor or medical professional if you want to have the best chance of quitting permanently.There are a lot of things you can use to help stop smoking.nicotine patches and gum are included.Smoking will make it harder for your body to fight infections in the lungs.It can cause infections, such as COPD.
Step 14: Protect your lungs from harmful pollutants.
A lung infection can be caused by a variety of airborne pathogens.Wear breathing protection, such as a N95 face mask, if you suspect that you will be around a pollutant, allergen, or airborne chemical.If you suspect that you are breathing in allergens in your home, you should get an air purifying filter.If you want to keep the air in your home clean, you should get an air purifier.The air purifier needs to be changed frequently to maintain its effectiveness.
Step 15: It is a good idea to eat a healthy diet.
A healthy diet that includes a lot of fruits and vegetables can help your immune system fight off infections and improve your overall health.The strength of your immune system can be affected by your intake of sugar, fat, and alcohol.A healthy diet does not mean you can't have sugar or fat.It just means that you need to eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats.
Step 16: It's a good idea to exercise on a regular basis.
Aerobic exercise increases the amount of blood flow that goes to your lungs, which can cure lung infections.You don't need to do long, strenuous workouts.You can increase your blood flow by walking around your neighborhood.Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program if you have chronic lung health problems.