Why Pneumonia Prevention Can Save Lives
Pneumonia is one of the most common and dangerous complications in people requiring care. Particularly at risk are people who lie down a lot, breathe poorly, or have swallowing difficulties. When secretions build up in the lungs, pathogens can multiply there. With simple pneumonia prevention, the lungs can be well ventilated and the risk significantly reduced.
5 Everyday Actions for Pneumonia Prevention
- Walk or move regularly: Movement promotes lung ventilation and prevents secretion buildup.
- Breathe deeply several times a day: Conscious, deep breathing expands the lungs and ventilates the lower lung sections as well.
- Drink enough: Sufficient fluids thin bronchial secretions and make coughing easier (if medically permitted).
- Sit upright instead of lying down for long periods: An upright position makes breathing easier and noticeably improves lung ventilation.
- Cough deliberately and clear secretions: This removes mucus and pathogens from the airways.
Breathing Exercises That Really Help
Simple breathing exercises can be easily integrated into daily life. A proven method is slow, deep inhalation through the nose and slow exhalation through slightly pursed lips (pursed-lip breathing). Blowing up a balloon or blowing through a straw into a glass of water also trains the respiratory muscles in a playful way.
Observing and Documenting with mendracare
Watch for warning signs such as coughing, sputum, fever, or accelerated breathing – they can indicate the onset of pneumonia. Record such observations as well as the breathing exercises performed with mendracare in the daily log. This way, the care team recognizes changes early and can involve the doctor in good time.
