What is pneumonia and how can osteopathy help?

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia, or “pneumonia,” is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The disease can affect people of all ages and varies in severity. However, if you have an underlying chronic lung disease, such as COPD or asthma, pneumonia can lead to a more serious course.

Symptoms and conventional treatment

Typical symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

Treatment depends on the cause of the infection. If it is caused by bacteria or fungi, treatment will consist of antibiotics or antifungals, respectively. In viral pneumonia, on the other hand, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.

The doctor may conduct an examination to determine the cause and in some cases refer for a chest X-ray.

People in risk groups, such as those with chronic diseases such as asthma, COPD or diabetes, can be offered a vaccination against pneumonia. The vaccination covers the bacteria that most often cause the disease.

Osteopathy as a complementary treatment

As a complement to medical treatment, osteopathic treatment can significantly contribute to the healing process after pneumonia. Let’s take a closer look at how it can help.

Support for the respiratory system

Osteopathic treatment focuses on improving the overall function of the body and can be particularly beneficial for patients recovering from pneumonia. Treatment may include gentle techniques that increase mobility in the chest and back, which can both ease breathing and support more effective coughing.

In addition, osteopathy can help reduce tension in the body, which often occurs due to persistent coughing and difficulty breathing.

Improving blood circulation and healing

An important part of the healing process after pneumonia is ensuring good blood circulation to all parts of the body, including the lungs. Osteopathic techniques that promote blood circulation can therefore play a significant role in the recovery phase. By increasing blood flow, the body can more effectively transport oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas and remove waste products, which supports and accelerates the healing process.

Prevention and maintenance

In addition to helping with the healing process after pneumonia, osteopathy can also play a role in preventing future respiratory problems. Regular osteopathic treatments can maintain good function of the respiratory system and strengthen the body’s natural defenses against infections.

An investment in your well-being

If you or someone you know is struggling with the after-effects of pneumonia, or wants to strengthen the body’s ability to handle respiratory infections, osteopathic treatment can be a valuable solution.