What to Drink for Pneumonia Recovery

October 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a systematic review published in PMC, studies show that dehydration can double the risk of medium-term mortality in pneumonia patients, highlighting the critical importance of proper fluid intake. Knowing what to drink for pneumonia is essential for thinning mucus, easing symptoms, and supporting the body's healing process.

Quick Summary

Staying properly hydrated is critical during pneumonia recovery to help loosen mucus and support the immune system. The best options include water, herbal teas, and broths, while sugary beverages, caffeine, and alcohol should be avoided due to their dehydrating effects.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is crucial for preventing dehydration caused by fever and sweating.
Thin Mucus Effectively: Fluids help to thin the mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up and clear your airways.
Choose Warm Broths: Warm broths and soups are excellent choices, providing hydration, electrolytes, and soothing warmth that helps with congestion.
Opt for Herbal Teas: Teas like ginger, peppermint, and turmeric offer anti-inflammatory and decongestant benefits to ease symptoms.
Avoid Dehydrating Beverages: Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can worsen dehydration and inflammation.
Consider Electrolyte Drinks: If experiencing significant fluid loss, oral rehydration solutions can help restore electrolyte balance.
Monitor Dairy Intake: Some individuals find dairy thickens mucus; if you notice this, it may be best to limit it during recovery.

The Critical Role of Hydration During Pneumonia

When battling pneumonia, your body is fighting a serious infection that requires extra fluid intake. The primary reason is to combat dehydration, which can be caused by fever, sweating, and increased respiratory effort. Proper hydration also plays a crucial role in thinning the mucus that builds up in your lungs, making it easier to cough up and clear your airways. Insufficient fluids can worsen symptoms, prolong recovery, and even increase the risk of complications.

Best Fluids to Consume for Pneumonia

Water

Plain, clean water is the best and most fundamental fluid for staying hydrated. It's essential for all bodily functions and helps transport nutrients and oxygen to cells while flushing out waste and toxins. To avoid overwhelming a potentially nauseous stomach, sip small amounts of water frequently throughout the day rather than drinking large quantities at once.

Warm Broths and Soups

Nutrient-rich broths, such as chicken soup or vegetable broth, are excellent for pneumonia recovery. They provide hydration, electrolytes, and easily digestible nutrients. The warmth and steam help soothe a sore throat and open up nasal passages and airways, making breathing easier. Research suggests chicken soup may even have a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

Herbal Teas

Warm herbal teas can provide both comfort and potential health benefits when recovering from pneumonia.

Ginger Tea: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help reduce inflammation and chest pain associated with a persistent cough.
Peppermint Tea: The menthol in peppermint can act as a natural decongestant, helping to break up mucus and soothe irritated airways.
Turmeric Tea: The compound curcumin in turmeric has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help fight infection. Adding a pinch of black pepper can increase its absorption.
Fenugreek Tea: This tea may help break down mucus, easing a persistent cough.
Echinacea Tea: A traditional remedy with potential bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects that may help combat respiratory infections.

Electrolyte Solutions

If you have been experiencing significant fluid loss from fever, sweating, or gastrointestinal issues, an oral rehydration solution can be beneficial. These provide an optimal balance of electrolytes like sodium and potassium, helping to restore fluid balance at a cellular level. Commercially available products or natural sources like coconut water are good options.

What to Avoid Drinking with Pneumonia

Some beverages can hinder your recovery by either promoting dehydration or thickening mucus, making symptoms worse.

Caffeinated Drinks

Coffee, some sodas, and energy drinks contain caffeine, which is a diuretic. This means it can increase fluid loss through urination and potentially lead to dehydration, counteracting the primary goal of staying hydrated.

Alcohol

Alcohol severely dehydrates the body and can weaken the immune system, prolonging your illness. It can also interfere with antibiotics and other medications prescribed by your doctor, making it crucial to avoid entirely during recovery.

Sugary Beverages

Sugary sodas and highly sweetened juices can promote inflammation and may impair immune function. Focus on nutrient-dense options instead to support your body's healing process.

Dairy Products (if mucus is a concern)

While there is no scientific evidence linking dairy consumption to respiratory problems for everyone, some individuals report that it can thicken mucus, making it more difficult to manage. If you find dairy exacerbates your congestion, consider limiting or temporarily avoiding it during your illness.

Comparison of Best vs. Worst Drinks for Pneumonia


Feature	Best Drinks	Worst Drinks
Primary Goal	Hydrate, soothe, and thin mucus	Dehydrate, thicken mucus, and weaken immunity
Examples	Water, warm broths, herbal teas, electrolyte solutions	Alcohol, caffeinated drinks, sugary sodas, high-sugar juices
Effect on Mucus	Thins mucus, making it easier to expel	Can thicken mucus (dairy sensitivity), doesn't thin mucus
Effect on Hydration	Replenishes fluids and electrolytes	Acts as a diuretic, causing fluid loss and dehydration
Nutrient Value	Provides essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants	Offers mostly empty calories and sugar
Immune System Impact	Supports immune function	Weakens the immune system

Conclusion: Prioritize Smart Hydration

Proper hydration is a simple yet powerful tool in your recovery from pneumonia. By focusing on nutrient-rich fluids like water, warm broths, and herbal teas, you can help thin mucus, ease your symptoms, and give your immune system the support it needs to fight the infection effectively. It is equally important to avoid dehydrating and inflammatory beverages like alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. Always follow your doctor's treatment plan and recommendations, but remember that smart hydration is a key component of feeling better and getting back on your feet faster.

Seek Medical Advice

While these fluid recommendations can help manage symptoms, pneumonia is a serious medical condition. It is crucial to follow your doctor's instructions for medication and care. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek immediate medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hydration is important because pneumonia and its associated fever and sweating cause your body to lose fluids more rapidly. Drinking plenty of liquids helps prevent dehydration and thins the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to clear your airways.

Yes, several herbal teas can be beneficial. Peppermint tea acts as a decongestant, ginger tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and turmeric tea contains curcumin to help reduce inflammation. Warmth from the tea also soothes a sore throat.

For some people, dairy products can make mucus thicker and harder to manage, but this isn't the case for everyone. If you find dairy exacerbates your congestion, it's best to limit or avoid it. However, if it doesn't cause problems, dairy can be a source of nutrients.

Yes, it is best to avoid caffeinated drinks when you have pneumonia. Caffeine is a diuretic that increases fluid loss, which works against your need to stay hydrated during illness.

Warm broths provide both hydration and easily digestible nutrients, which is helpful if your appetite is low. The steam from the warm liquid helps open airways and provides comfort for a sore throat.

While sports drinks provide electrolytes, many also contain high amounts of sugar which can cause inflammation. Oral rehydration solutions are a better option for restoring electrolyte balance without excessive sugar.

Monitor your urine color; it should be pale yellow. Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dry mouth, and dizziness. Sip fluids consistently, and listen to your body's signals.