pneumonia-RML still hurts- time frame to clear??

[Mtnbkr]

I had pneumonia about 10 weeks ago and still feel a slight pain in my chest- the dr. said it is typical for pneumonia in the right middle lobe to linger longer due to poor drainage which is due to location. I do have a follow up x-ray scheduled which will be  my second follow up as they noticed some patches the first time around and wanted to make sure things have cleared- the way my chest feels i have a feeling it hasnt drained out- a mucus plug was one cause according to the dr- what is the next step if I go and there is still some signs of the pneumonia?? IS it possible that there is no infection and it just hurts due to the damage that may have already occured and i can just go about my business or is it likely there will have to be some steps taken whether its medication or other? thanks in advance-

[National Jewish]

Right middle lobe pneumonia is common.  It can linger on chest x-ray along with the symptoms.  Sometimes the lobe just appears smaller on follow-up x-rays.  Patience is required in awaiting resolution.

It may be necessary to surgically remove the lobe if:  

[caregiver222]

IT's not generally used for that purpose, however an ocasional spray of albuterol, prescribed for asthma, will sometimes open the alveoli and assist in mucus drainage. You need daily sunlight (LOTS AND LOTS -two hours or more) and fresh air good air exchange in your room and exercise. Mild exercise, but lots of it. You have to get air moving through those lungs to heal. This was the circa 1910 protocol for pneumonia and TB. It has a lot to say for itself. It is not unusual to get a resistant infection and unfortunately, although we are used to "Pills" these encapsulated bacterial monsters may only be removed by surgical intervention. You aren't there yet, though. Strengthen your immune system and go outside and exercise.