Recovering from Pneumonia | What to Expect

Pneumonia Occupational Therapy at Bella Vista Health Center

Many people recovering from pneumonia continue to feel exhaustion and general fatigue for weeks afterward, which affects their ability to perform simple tasks and live independently at home. Occupational therapy places a unique and immediate focus on a patient’s functional and social needs, decreasing the likelihood of hospital readmission. 

As part of the overall rehabilitation process, patients recovering from pneumonia receive occupational therapy to help them perform daily tasks such as:

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Grooming

• Dental hygiene

• Eating

• Using the restroom

• Opening medication containers

Occupational therapists are equipped to assess cognition and physical ability to determine whether sufficient progress has been made for the patient to return to full independence, or if they require additional rehabilitation or nursing care. Therapists will also consider concurrent disabilities that require assistive devices, if necessary, and incorporate the devices in therapy modules. 

How long does it take for lungs to heal from pneumonia?

The severity and recovery time for pneumonia is different for everyone, but it can take anywhere from one week to six months. Pneumonia takes a toll on the immune system, and the longer it sticks around, the higher the risk of complications with pre-existing conditions—and the development of new ones. As your body’s immune system works hard to fight the infection in the lungs, it diverts energy away from other conditions, further complicating the recovery process. People in good health tend to recover from pneumonia more quickly than those with medical underlying medical conditions. 

Do you ever fully recover from pneumonia?

Most people do recover fully, but even when pneumonia treatment is successful, it can result in long-term consequences. As people age, their immune systems weaken, leaving them more vulnerable to lung-related conditions that can develop into pneumonia. In older adults, long-term consequences of pneumonia may include cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and decreases in kidney function. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have chronic conditions that put them at risk for malnutrition, which can hinder the recovery process. Proper nutrition is an important part of recovering from any injury or illness, including pneumonia. The quality of care an individual receives while recovering from pneumonia can have a significant impact on their recovery. 

How to regain strength after pneumonia

Pneumonia weakens both the immune system and the structures of the respiratory system, often making recovery a long, slow process.  In most cases, with ample rest and proper nutrition, the immune system will recover in its own time, and strength will return to the body. In order to help this process along and restore strength after pneumonia, it’s important to:

• Take it easy

• Nap often

• Drink plenty of water

• Take all prescribed medications, including the full cycle of antibiotics

• Avoid cough suppressants (allow yourself to cough it out)

• Eat healthy, immune-boosting foods:

  • Citrus fruits for high doses of vitamin C

  • Leafy green vegetables to fight inflammation

  • Apples to reduce lung function decline

  • Beets for the nitrates that relax blood vessels and optimize oxygen intake

  • Green tea for antioxidant and inflammatory properties

  • Lean proteins to promote healthy red blood cell production

  • Pumpkin for the healthy levels of beta-carotene and alpha-carotene, which are associated with greater lung function

• Practice breathing exercises

  • Pursed-lip breathing 

  • Belly breathing

• Check with your doctor before resuming an exercise routine

• Participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation or respiratory therapy program if needed

Pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory therapy are highly effective for recovering lung function after pneumonia. 

Rehabilitation After Pneumonia

Doctors typically recommend that patients get plenty of rest when recovering from pneumonia, but too much rest can lead to a decline in mobility and difficulty performing daily tasks. According to studies, early rehabilitation after pneumonia is associated with improved clinical outcomes, especially for geriatric patients. 

In addition to occupational therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory therapy helps patients achieve and maintain high levels of independence and functionality. Pulmonary rehabilitation involves a range of therapies aimed at:

• Building strength and endurance

• Reducing shortness of breath

• Learning modifications for exercise

• Optimizing nutritional health

• Supporting mental health 

Pulmonary rehabilitation after pneumonia often includes some combination of exercise training, breathing techniques, and other therapies and strategies to help ease breathing difficulties and improve functioning. 

A skilled nursing facility offers safety and comfort

If you’ve been hospitalized from pneumonia, it’s important to understand that release from the hospital only means you’re no longer in critical condition; it does not mean you have recovered. In fact, as mentioned above, it could be weeks or even months before you regain your strength and feel like yourself again.  Transitioning into a skilled nursing facility between the hospital and home ensures that you get the care you need while you recover in a safe, nurturing environment. 

Pneumonia recovery at Bella Vista

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we know that pneumonia recovery can be a difficult time, and we’re dedicated to providing high quality medical care in a supportive and healing environment so you can heal and return home in good health.

Our respiratory therapists, physicians, nurses, and other team members will work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan designed to help you regain your strength, breathe more easily, and achieve optimal wellness. In addition to 24/7 skilled nursing care by the compassionate staff at our 5-star facility, you’ll also receive nutritional meals that support your body’s healing process.

Give us a call at (619) 644-1000, and let’s start working together to help you achieve full recovery from pneumonia today.