In pneumonia, increasing oral fluids primarily helps to:

• A. Dilate bronchi
• B. Thin secretions and facilitate expectoration
• C. Reduce fever
• D. Cure infection

Answer: (B)

Thinning secretions to facilitate expectoration. In pneumonia, airway secretions become thick and sticky, which makes coughing less effective and clearance of bacteria and debris more difficult. Increasing oral fluids helps reduce mucus viscosity, improving mucociliary clearance and making it easier to cough up and clear the lungs, supporting better ventilation and gas exchange.

Fluids don’t dilate the bronchi—that effect comes from bronchodilators and other meds. They also don’t directly reduce fever or cure the infection; fever is treated with antipyretics and the infection with antibiotics. Hydration supports the overall process of airway clearance, not the infection itself. If there are fluid restrictions or heart/kidney issues, fluid intake should be adjusted accordingly.