The pain may be eased by holding a pillow and hugging it to the chest while taking deep breaths, and as the patient coughs, he or she hugs the pillow more tightly to ease the trauma to the area. It does work, but needs to be done frequently. The hospitalized patient is at increased risk for this as well. They are already weakened, and the elderly, especially, have the highest mortality rate while hospitalized and contracting hospital-acquired pneumonia. Compliance with the treatments recommended by healthcare providers, as well as treatments the patient can do at home are key to recovering from this disease.
Rest is essential.
The patient may return to his or her former activities of daily living as recovery progresses. The fatigue may last for a few weeks, however, and the patient may need to build back up to their former stamina level. If the patient, during the course of recovery at home, experiences very high temperatures, any severe pain, especially in chest, or visible blood in the secretions they are coughing up, they should notify their physician or go to an emergency room without delay. Some helpful links about the lungs and respiratory systems may be found below. Some are for those who suffer from chronic problems, and may provide information and support.