Lifestyle Changes to Manage Pneumonia

Stop Smoking

Smoking is a known lung irritant and will further deprive you of oxygen. Talk to your doctor about the many treatment options that are available to help you stop smoking. Alternative sources of nicotine (such as a patch or gum) can be used to prevent some of the uncomfortable side effects that occur when you stop smoking.

Limit Alcohol Intake

Alcohol abuse can increase the risk of developing pneumonia by lowering the immune resistance.

References

American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK9O0E&b=22542 . Accessed July 17, 2008.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/ . Accessed July 17, 2008.

Primary Care Medicine . 4th ed. Lippincott Williams and Wilkins; 2000.

Last reviewed July 2008 by ]]>Marcin Chwistek, MD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.