General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Keep this information handy (practical tips for managing COVID-19 from an RN) [View all]forgotmylogin
(7,565 posts)Check your deep breathing regularly. If a deep breath causes a rattling feeling, wheezing, or you feel the need to stop because you will start coughing, that means your lungs have fluid in them.
Most people want to lie in bed without moving when sick, but that is how pneumonia builds up. Change positions frequently and try to sit up or walk a bit if you can and get fresh air. Just like standing water in a puddle can become a brackish home for pathogens, so can fluid that remains in your lungs. You need oxygen to hit that fluid and help dissipate it or loosen it so you can cough it up. Coughing is your body's reflexive way to do that.
You want to cough through that buildup and free your airway. If you don't have a humidifier, you can stand in a hot steamy shower, and if possible lean over with your hands on your knees and cough vigorously without hurting yourself. The steam will help loosen fluid/phlegm, as will expectorants like Mucinex.
If you breathe deeply and it feels like you need to stop because you will start coughing, BREATHE THROUGH IT AND COUGH IT OUT (safely, of course). Resist the temptation to breathe shallowly and avoid coughing.
(Of course, do this safely and not around other people if possible to avoid spreading germs.)