Pneumonia recovery time for a runner

[Running man]

I was diagnosed with pneumonia in the left lung about 3 weeks ago and after 15 days of Levaquin and a clean chest x-ray was deemed healthy.  However I still have some pain, occasional crackling when I breathe, and do not feel that I am near full capacity in terms of breathing capacity.  For the pain I was put on vioxx and also was given the go ahead to resume my cardiovascular activities (~10 to 12 hrs/week of running & cycling).  

Is the lingering discomfort and reduced aerobic capacity normal?  

Is it safe to return to strenuous aerobic activity?

About how long should I expect for a return to full strength?

[National Jewish]

What you are experiencing is very normal!

Pneumonia is inflammation of the lung.  This is most commonly due to an infection.  Antibiotics will help a bacterial infection, but will not help a viral infection.  Over time your body's natural defenses will clear a viral infection.

It may take a month or two after finishing the course of antibiotics, until you feel completely back to normal.  It is possible for inflammation or irritation to remain in the lungs for 6 to 8 weeks after the actual infection is gone.  Your discomfort and reduced aerobic capacity may linger.  However this should gradually improve and eventually go away completely.  Let your doctor know if your symptoms worsen or do not go away.  The follow-up chest x-ray that you had done is helpful to show that the pneumonia has completely gone away, but it will not show inflammation that is still in your lungs.  This is most likely the cause of your lingering symptoms.

It is difficult to tell you exactly when you will return to full strength.  Generally it will take you at least as long as the pneumonia has caused you to be less active.  You should progressively increase your strenuous aerobic activity to the point that you are able to tolerate.

[msanne60]

I am recovering from double pneumonia and going into my first month of recovery,was hospitalized 3 weeks,was given all types of antibiotics. I have been on so much antiobiotics i feel like i should be the healthest person there is. I am still bringing up stuff out of my lungs and is still weak but is getting better, everyone tells me it takes time, so it was kind of uplifing to read where someone else is tired of being sick. The only major problem i am having is that i have a bad taste in the back of my mouth thats messing with my appetite,i put a spoon of food in my mouth and its tastes good until it reaches the back and the bitter taste spoils my appetite. would welcome any comments and suggestions about this.didnt have this before or while i was in the hospital.

[jazzboxer]

I was diagnosed with pneumonia in my right lung 5 days ago.  The doctor put me on levaquin and prednisone.  I have also been using my inhaler.  It still is very difficult to breathe and I sonetimes feel dizzy and nauseated.  How long do these medications take to start kicking in?
I run approximately only 20 miles a week, and I teach aerobics 9 hours per week.  When can I expect to start teaching again?  I can't stand not being active!

[engineer1961]

I'm a runner my self and have had phneumonia many times , take my advice and take it easy for 2to 3 months or you may end up back in bed with it again and worst this time ...........

[abdullah]

recovery from pneumonia causing airway inflammation may take long time. it depends haw bad the peumonia, you underlying health especially the lungs, and if the airways have been involved in the inflammation process, studies have showen complete recovery to normal lung volumes may take up to 3 months.
chest X-ray follow up indicated if you are not getting better or getting worse.usualy not sooner than 6 weeks from time of pneumonia unless indicated otherwise . there should be no limitation to your activity but as been said give it little bit time more ..

[AndyRRT]

Being sick isn't fun. For some, it can a bit longer to fully recover, and for others it can be quick. Of course, this depends on your overall health and the degree of the illness.

Being a runner myself, I find that whenever I get the flu or a cold, it can take a few weeks to just feel like myself. I kind of wean myself into light activity and see what I can tolerate. If I feel that I can't...then I simply don't. Sometimes you just wake up and feel like you can run 5 miles.....and bam, its all over. You're back to your old self.

Give it alittle time...

-Andy, RRT, CPFT