Awareness Around Pneumonia
As we navigate a world filled with viruses, it’s easy to think that getting sick is just part of life—something we manage with some Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and a few days of rest. But what happens when a simple illness turns into something more serious? This week, I want to share a personal story about my recent battle with viral pneumonia, along with some crucial information to help you recognize and prevent this potentially serious illness.
Understanding Pneumonia
Pneumonia is more than just a bad cold or flu. It’s a serious lung infection where the air sacs in one or both lungs fill with fluid or pus, making it hard to breathe. According to the American Lung Association, pneumonia can range from mild to severe and can affect anyone, including healthy individuals.
My Brush with Pneumonia
A few weeks ago, I started feeling unwell—nauseous, fatigued, and without the usual cold or flu symptoms. My kids had already gone through a non-COVID viral infection, so I assumed it was my turn. But as the days passed, my symptoms worsened. I was taking large doses of Tylenol and Ibuprofen just to keep my fever down so I wouldn't feel so crappy, and I spent sleepless nights propped up by pillows because lying flat made it impossible to breathe. By day five, with no improvement, I knew something wasn’t right. A chest X-ray confirmed it: I had pneumonia.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Early symptoms of pneumonia can be tricky because they often resemble a cold or flu. However, there are key signs to watch for:
Persistent Fever: Unlike typical viral infections where fever resolves within a few days, pneumonia can cause prolonged fever that may require constant management with anti-pyretics.
Difficulty Breathing: If you find yourself struggling to breathe or feeling short of breath, even when resting, it’s time to see a doctor.
Productive Cough: A cough that produces phlegm or mucus, especially if it’s tinged with blood or has a foul smell, can be a sign of pneumonia.
Fatigue and Weakness: Extreme tiredness and difficulty performing everyday activities, even simple tasks, may indicate something more serious than a common cold.
Healthy People Can Get Pneumonia
One of the most surprising aspects of my experience was realizing that pneumonia can happen to anyone, even those who are healthy, fit, and active. My doctor suggested it might have been bad luck, a viral infection that settled in my lungs instead of passing through like it did with the rest of my family. The American Lung Association notes that while certain populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, are at higher risk, healthy individuals can still develop pneumonia, especially following a viral infection.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection and treatment of pneumonia are crucial. I learned that the vast majority of pneumonia is viral, and in most cases, doctors prescribe antibiotics to cover the rare chance that the pneumonia has a bacterial cause, as bacterial pneumonia can be much more damaging long-term if left untreated. Thus, I did not expect to get much relief from the antibiotics. However, important to have antibiotic coverage in the rare case this pneumonia was bacterial.
Reducing Antibiotic Side-Effects with Probiotics
The first dose of antibiotics knocked me down with almost immediate gastrointestinal upset. I began to eat yogurt with added fruit each day, and my side-effects disappeared. Taking probiotics with antibiotics has been shown to reduce the GI side effects in this report in the Journal of Family Practice. Some common probiotics found in foods are listed here. Keep this in mind if you are ever prescribed antibiotics!
Coping with the Symptoms
One of the most challenging parts of my pneumonia was the difficulty sleeping. I couldn’t lie flat without feeling like I was suffocating. I had to figure out ways to prop myself up with pillows, sleep sitting up, and manage my breathing difficulties. And after dozing a few hours when the fever meds wore off, I'd awaken heart-racing and drenched in sweat due to the high fever returning. Getting rest with pneumonia is easier said than done. These are practical challenges that aren’t often talked about but are very real for anyone dealing with pneumonia.
Recovery Takes Time
Even after the fever subsided and the cough began to improve, I found that recovery from pneumonia is much slower than from a typical cold. The energy loss was significant, and it took time before I could resume some of my normal activities. The American Lung Association emphasizes that full recovery can take weeks, and it’s important to listen to your body and not rush the process.
Acupuncture and TCM for Pneumonia Recovery
In addition to rest and plenty of hydration, what else can we do to boost our strength and lung health? In those who needed mechanical ventilation for COVID pneumonia in China, acupuncture was shown to improve recovery.
In my case, I benefited greatly from Acupuncture with Cupping using the amazing blood and qi moving Wen Tao Gong massage balm. Acupuncture and Cupping every two weeks over the next few months will continue to support my health. To help prevent a relapse, I'm also taking the Seyhart herbal, The Resilience with astralagus to regain my lung strength.
Final Thoughts
An experience with pneumonia can be a reminder that we are not invincible. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms and take action if something doesn’t feel right.
Stay well, and take care of your health—it’s your most valuable asset.