Pneumonia

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with underlying health problems or weakened immune systems.
See also :

• Bronchitis
• Cough
• Asthma
• Respiratory Diseases

Pneumonia vs. Bronchitis

Of the two conditions, pneumonia is the more serious. Acute bronchitis involves inflammation in the bronchial passages - the large tubes that carry air into the lungs. It's a common form of infection usually seen in the winter months and most commonly caused by a virus. It usually resolves without treatment in seven to ten days, although the cough can sometimes last much longer - sometimes several weeks or months before it completely resolves. Pneumonia, on the other hand, the more serious of the two conditions, involves infection of the deeper lung tissue that surrounds the bronchial tubes. Pneumonia is more dangerous infection because the infection can spread into the blood vessels in the lungs and set up a blood stream infection that can spread throughout the body. In some cases, it can be fatal, particularly in people who have immune problems or who are older.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia include sudden chills, increasing fever (38.5 to 40.5 degree Celsius) and profuse sweating. Occurrence of chest pain may be noted and is aggravated by breathing and coughing and in severe cases tachypnea (rapid breathing) is noticeable, ranging from 25 to 45 breaths per minute coupled with a difficulty of breathing. Headache, myalgia (muscle pains), and upper respiratory tract symptoms such as nasal congestion and sore throat may be initialized too.

Home remedies

Medical management of pneumonia extends from administration of prescribed antibiotics based on the causative agent determined through gram staining up to the assistance in hydration, antihistamines, nasal decongestant and antipyretic treatments. Another known supportive solution in this potentially serious and unfavourable disease could be found in the kitchen or in the backyard too. There are natural ways to support treatment of the said disease by the aid of Mother Nature. Listed below are among the discovered wonderful supportive therapy for pneumonia.

• Garlic : One of the most treasured spices of all time with ample of health benefits is Garlic. The Egyptians were thought to be the ones responsible for making ginger popular way back 3500 BC. Since then garlic has been considered in many ancient healing formulas for the management of health problems, from inflammatory conditions to skin problems and even heart disease. Louis Pasteur (the same man behind pasteurization), a French chemist, discovered the beneficial use of garlic as an antibiotic among his other experiments that supports the germ theory of diseases. Scientifically, an ml of raw garlic syrup is equal to the constitution of 60 mg of penicillin. Garlic remedies for pneumonia helps in lowering down body temperature and easing laboured breathing per application of garlic paste on the chest. Garlic capsule offers natural supports through its antibacterial purposes. However, allicin, the same ingredient that wards of inflammation and bacteria, is the same culprit in the horrible smell that it omits. But the advantages of using garlic far outweigh its not-so-pleasant smell.
• Usnea is effective against a bacterium that commonly causes pneumonia and pertussis.
• Fenugreek Tea : The fenugreek plant is widely used as a spice and herb in various natural remedies for various diseases. The tea made from the seeds of the fenugreek plant have the same value as that in quinine which is known to reduce fevers and is peculiarly treasured as a soothing and cleansing drink. The seeds, when dampened with water, are considered to be lightly mucilaginous and a tea made from it has the ability to lyse sticky substances such as body mucus.Consuming fenugreek tea can aid the body get rid of toxic substances and allows the body to sweat out in patients with pneumonia. Drinking up to 4 cups daily is advisable. To add some flavour, squeezing a bit of lemon juice may be done. However, it is very important to remember that in order to prevent food and tea interaction and promote proper pneumonia treatment, do not eat any other food while drinking the tea.
• Thyme has been used as a lung remedy consumed since antiquity and is used extensively to day to prevent and treat respiratory tract infections and bacterial infection pneumonia.
• A combination of vitamins C and E will help to destroy free radicals that develop in your body when it fights infections. Under the supervision of your doctor, take 5,000 to 15,000 mgs of vitamin C daily but take it in divided doses every two to three hours a day. Take 400 to 800 ius of vitamin E and 500 mgs of bioflavonoids daily to help boost the effectiveness of vitamin C. Bromelain is a great boost for antibiotics like vitamin C and E. Bromelain is a digestive enzyme that helps smooth out mucus build up by thinning it. Take 250 to 500 mgs of Bromelain three times a day until your symptoms subside.
• Vegetable juices : Nothing compares to the nutritional and medicinal prowess behind vegetables and fruits. So, is vegetable juice beneficial to clients experiencing pneumonia? Yes, of course. Various vegetable juices were reported to aid in the treatment of pneumonia. One example of which is a juice from carrots which is rich in phytochemicals, beta-carotene and anti-oxidant. It will help the lung repair its tissues because of its potassium content plus, it can work as an antioxidant agent in the damaged lungs. Combinations of other vegetables juices such as that from spinach, beet, and cucumber prove to be beneficial also.
• Sesame seeds : There are three known varieties of sesame seeds: black, white and red. The black variety is best in producing high quality oil and is best fitted for medicinal purposes. The white ones are known to be rich in calcium while the red variety is particularly high in iron.Sesame seeds are also effective in combating respiratory disease such as acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma because of its expectorant property thus removing phlegm from the bronchial tube. A mixture of sesame seeds with a tablespoonful of linseed, a pinch of salt and one spoonful of heavenly honey should be taken every night as it yields a beneficial result in treating pneumonia the natural way.
• Herbs : Herbs have a variety of uses that ranges from culinary to medicinal and even up to spiritual usage. Medically speaking, herbs are one of the natural ways to help treat many diseases although there are some herbs that shouldn’t be administered in large quantities because they produce a toxic effect. Take note, it is recommended that before initializing the usage of any herbal remedy one must consult his or her doctor in order to have the proper dosages.In pneumonia, herbs are used in strengthening the immune system and eliminating toxic impurities in body. Pleurisy root or Asclepsiastuberosa is one herb specific for pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza and pleurisy remedy. It is known to be an efficient peripheral vasodilator that enhances the volume of the lungs. Wild cherry, also known as Prunusserotina, is reported to treat various health illnesses including that related to the lungs. Wild cherry has a stimulating astringent effect, which helps in expectoration, calms nervous irritability and it is also noted for its usefulness in aiding mucus membrane irritations. On the other hand, bloodroot is an herb with an antispasmodic, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant and mucus membrane stimulation effect essential in the natural treatment plan for individuals with pneumonia.

Warnings

Remember, that even though pneumonia is treatable, it is considered to be an extremely serious illness. Piece of advice: do not wait and get treatment as early as possible. And it won’t hurt that apart from the medical management your doctor has institutionalized during the treatment phase, you will also consider natural ways to supplement and alleviate the symptoms and the condition as quickly as possible.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.