It is useful in ridding the body of lung secretions. Suppress the cough with medicine if it is dry, non-productive and painful. Use a heating pad or hot compresses to relieve chest pain. You may use non-prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, to relieve minor discomfort or guiafenesin to thin secretions. After treatment, resume normal activity as soon as possible.
Extra fluid helps thin lung secretions so they are easier to cough up.
No special diet. Pain not relieved by heat or prescribed medication. Increased shortness of breath. Dark or bluish fingernails, skin , or toenails. Blood in the sputum.