This may help prevent the cork from crumbling when you try to make a hole in it. Place the tip of the corkscrew on the top of the cork, just how you would for when opening a wine bottle. Keep twisting the corkscrew until the metal spiral goes all the way through the cork. Twist the corkscrew in the other direction to take it out. You can put the cork into the wine bottle for this step. The neck of the bottle will help keep it steady while you work. Use a screwdriver to twist a screw into the cork. Make sure that the screw goes all the way through the cork, from top to bottom. Twist the screwdriver in the opposite direction to take the screw out. Place the cork down on a piece of wood and hold it steady between your thumb and forefinger. Place the tip of a drill against the top of the cork and turn the drill on. Gently press down on the drill until the tip goes all the way through the cork. Turn the drill off and pull it out of the cork when you are done.

Summary: Consider soaking the cork in hot water for 10 minutes. Poke a hole into the cork using a corkscrew. Consider using a long screw instead. Try using a drill.


Pneumonia is treated primarily with antibiotics, usually  azithromycin, clarithromycin, or doxycycline. Your doctor will chose which specific antibiotic you should take based upon your age and medical history.  Once your doctor provides you with a prescription, have it filled immediately by bringing it to your local pharmacy. It is very important that you finish the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor and follow any instructions written on the bottle, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.  Even if you feel better, stopping antibiotics early can create bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. For otherwise healthy individuals, the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor will typically begin to make you feel better in approximately one to three days. During these first days of recovery, it is vital that you get plenty of rest and that you drink plenty of fluids. Even after you begin to feel better you should not overexert yourself, as your immune system is still recovering. This is important because overexertion may lead to a reoccurrence of pneumonia.  Drinking fluids (particularly water) will help break up mucus in your lungs. Again, finish the entire course of medication prescribed by your doctor. Eating the right food cannot cure pneumonia, however, a good diet can assist in a normal recovery. Colorful fruits and vegetables should be eaten regularly. They contain antioxidants, which help your body resist and recover from disease. Whole grains are important as well. They are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that will boost your immune system and boost energy. Finally add protein-rich foods to your diet. Protein provides the body with anti-inflammatory fats. Always check with your doctor if you plan on making significant changes to your diet.  Try eating oats and brown rice to add whole grains to your diet. Try eating beans, lentils, skinless chicken, and fish to add protein to your diet. Avoid fatty meats, such as red meat or processed meat. Again, drink plenty of fluids to hydrate and help thin out any mucus in your lungs. Some studies have suggested that vitamin D helps with recovery from pneumonia, though this is unproven. Chicken soup is a good source of fluids, electrolytes, protein, and vegetables! Some (but not all) doctors will schedule a follow up visit. This will typically take place one week after your initial visit, and the doctor will want to make sure the prescribed antibiotics are working. If you do not feel any improvement over the course of this first week, you should call your doctor immediately to schedule a follow up appointment.  Normal recovery time from pneumonia is one to three weeks, though you should begin to feel better after several days of antibiotics. If symptoms persist for a week after you have begun taking antibiotics, this may be a sign you are not recovering, and you should contact your doctor immediately. If the infection persists with antibiotic treatment, patients may still require hospital-level care.

Summary: Follow your doctor's orders exactly once at home. Take it slow and easy. Eat a healthy diet. Revisit your doctor if necessary.


If you suspect you may have a sensitivity to gluten, bring up your concerns with your doctor. Receive a physical examination to check for signs of swelling and other physical problems. You'll also probably do a complete metabolic panel to check your blood count and organ function. Bring in your food diary, and be as detailed as possible. Be clear. If you're worried about gluten, say, "I'm concerned that I may have a gluten problem and I'd like to be tested for it." Don't leave it up to your doctor to guess. If your GP can't find anything to account for your symptoms, you will be referred to a specialist for treatment and further testing. Abdominal problems are usually quite complicated, and the symptoms can be indicative of lots of different things, so it's important to consult a specialist for more specific testing. Why not go straight to the gastro specialist? It's important to get a once-over from your regular doctor to rule out other possible concerns and receive guidance in this matter. The symptoms of gluten intolerance can be any number of different things, some serious and some not. Eliminate these possibilities first. Most doctors and experts recommend a TG test as the most reliable blood test for Celiac, which should be the first step in testing. Some doctors may also order a more comprehensive panel to check for your overall organ function and health, which may suggest a variety of things. The process is as easy as giving blood, and should only take 10-15 minutes. Most insurance plans cover this test in whole or part. A sample of tissue from the walls of the small intestine is the most accurate way to diagnose Celiac disease. This is a relatively simple procedure that takes less than 20 or 30 minutes in most cases. After being sedated, an endoscope is introduced into the small intestine from the mouth. A small tissue sample is taken to see if the villi have been destroyed by an allergic immune response. If so, this is a strong indicator of Celiac, along with the presence of antibodies. Endoscopes are very common and very safe. It's also an excellent way to check for other issues that may account for your symptoms, including gastritis, ulcers, or other stomach problems. Your blood-work and biopsy should yield information that will result in a positive or negative diagnosis for Celiac disease. If you tested positive, you need to adopt a gluten-free diet immediately. If you tested negative, talk to your doctor about other possibilities and whether or not you might be non-Celiac gluten sensitive.  Do not attempt to "test" yourself. Lots of people read an article about gluten intolerance and decide they've got it without consulting a doctor. Celiac disease is a serious auto-immune problem, and requires a clinical diagnosis. If you start avoiding gluten actively, it can make it much more difficult to receive that diagnosis. If you tested negative for Celiac, fight for some diagnosis. If you're still experiencing symptoms, talk to your doctor about other testing options and other causes that could result in your symptoms. Get a second opinion if necessary.
Summary: Talk to a family doctor about your concerns. Get a referral to a gastroenterologist. Get your blood tested for antibodies. Undergo an endoscopy and biopsy. Get a diagnosis.