Viral pneumonia is a serious disease that affects lungs severely. A good sleep, outdoor walks and balanced nutrition are the essential elements of proper recovery. Food must be easy to digest so that it does not stress the gastrointestinal tract.

Proteins are quite crucial during the recovery period: cottage cheese, regular cheese, meats, and legumes. And, of course, vegetables and fruits.

One of the serious complications of pneumonia is pulmonary fibrosis. Fibrosis is the replacement of normal lung tissue by connective tissue. Complications in the form of fibrosis do not usually occur in patients with mild or asymptomatic forms. Unfortunately, there are no drugs that can help lungs work the way they did before pneumonia. Pulmonary tissue needs to regenerate itself, and we need to help it with physical rehabilitation – breathing exercises.

Can those people who had pneumonia do sports?

– They can’t do sports right away, i.e. they can’t run, exercise or go to the gym right away. Lung damage always leads to a decrease in patient’s mobility and performance capability. If lungs are damaged, they need to be restored first, not stressed. Physical activity cannot be intense. Therapeutic massage can definitely help and promote recovery.

Stress has a negative effect on rehabilitation. Anxiety and negative emotions cause vascular spasms and increase blood viscosity. It is therefore important to feel relaxed and not to worry.

Will the intake of vitamins and dietary supplements speed up the rehabilitation process?

– It is not necessary to take synthetic vitamins: strengthening your body by consuming fruits is much better. Green vegetables, legumes and greens help to prevent vitamin B deficiency. Raspberries, currants and gooseberries are a depositary of vitamins, and that’s what we need to consume.

Konopleva L.V. – The Head of Rehabilitation Department of “Okzhetpes” health and wellness complex.