This is how long one should take it easy after pneumonia
Taking it easy after a pneumonia should not be interpreted as complete bed rest, but rather not to exert oneself too much. In most cases, one is weakened for a few weeks after pneumonia and the body’s immune system is not yet fully regenerated. Roughly speaking, four to eight weeks can be assumed until one is fully capable again and has regained one’s initial level. During this time, however, normal housework can still be done or outdoor activities can be done, as long as the weather is not too cold or wet-cold. The better the lungs are ventilated, the faster the final healing usually occurs.
How can the duration of pneumonia be shortened?
The duration of pneumonia can best be shortened by using antibiotics or other drugs – depending on the germ causing the infection. These drugs actively help to reduce the burden of the pathogen so that the body’s own immune system does not have to do quite as much work. Due to the faster elimination of the pathogen, the disease itself also passes more quickly.
However, it is also true that not every pneumonia necessarily has to be treated in hospital. Most courses of the disease can also be covered by the outpatient family doctor, provided that the patient is in good physical condition and strictly adheres to the doctor’s instructions. Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid physical exertion during the period of illness. The body needs its energy (reserves) during this time to fight the pathogens; training or other physical exertion is absolutely counterproductive in this context.
Infant pneumonia
Pneumonia can be particularly critical in young children. This is due to the fact that their immune system is not yet so experienced in fighting the pathogen and is therefore not yet fully mature. For this reason, small children are also much more susceptible to viruses and bacteria in general and to pneumonia in particular.
Young children do not necessarily develop the same symptoms as adults. Often there is no change except a slightly elevated temperature. Typically, mucus is formed during pneumonia, which older children can easily cough up.
However, small children often swallow it and then vomit it. In infancy, symptoms such as heavy sweating, flapping of the nostrils due to shortness of breath and a high pulse rate are also typical of pneumonia. For infants, care and recovery in a familiar environment is beneficial. After all, at such a young age they cannot explain what is happening to them, nor can they be made to understand that it is only a temporary event.
