Inflammation of the air sacs in the lungs is termed Pneumonia. This condition may affect one or both the lungs. The air sacs are filled with pus or fluid and cause difficulty in breathing, cough, fever, and chills.
Pneumonia is a severe illness and may be life-threatening. It is severe if it affects infants, young ones, immune compromised and elderly above 65 years of age.
What Causes Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection and variety of organisms such as virus, bacteria or fungi may cause it.
What Are The Symptoms Of Pneumonia?
The Symptoms of pneumonia range from mild to moderate to severe. Mild symptoms are similar to the symptoms of a common cold but last for long. The symptoms include:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Pain in the chest while breathing
- Cough when you breathe
- A cough that produced phlegm
- Fever,s chills, and sweating
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Note:- In elderly age 65 years or above, there may be changes in mental awareness, confusion and body temperature may be lower than normal.
Note:- Infants and newborns may not show any symptoms or may have a cough, fever, difficulty in breathing, tired, restless or without any energy.
If there is difficulty in breathing, persistent cough, you are coughing out pus or persistent fever of 102°F or higher see a doctor.
Treatment Of Pneumonia
Treatment of pneumonia depends on the type and severity. Presence of any chronic disease also is considered during the treatment. The primary aim of the treatment is to cure the infection and prevent complications.
Antibiotics are given. Also, anti-pyretic is given to control fever. Do not take medicine unless prescribed by your doctor.
The patient is hospitalized if pneumonia is present with other serious health issue, symptoms are a severe, patient elderly or young child if the patient is unable to take care of himself at home or is unable to eat or drink. The patient may also be hospitalized is even after the antibiotics condition is not improving.
The hospitalized patient and receives antibiotics and fluids in the veins. Also, oxygen therapy is given if breathing is difficult.
Home remedies for pneumonia cannot treat the condition. However, if the symptoms are mild you may find some ease.
Home Remedies To Ease The Symptoms Of Pneumonia
1. Salt water gargle
The mucus that sits in the chest and throat makes you a cough and irritates. Salt water gargle eliminates the mucus and provides relief.
Note:- Patients suffering from hypertension better avoid this.
You can also check out:- How To Cure Pleurisy At Home
2. Vitamin C Rich Foods
Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It boosts body immunity and also promotes antibacterial properties. This way it helps to ease and deal with the symptoms of pneumonia. Add foods rich in vitamin C such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and nuts to your daily diet. For vitamin C supplements, consult your doctor.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin. Curcumin is anti-inflammatory and has anti-microbial properties. Being mucolytic it expels the mucus out and eases breathing.
To a glass of hot milk, add teaspoon turmeric and drink it at least once every day.
You can also check out:- Home Remedies For Croup Cough
4. Ginger
Ginger is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory and has the potential to treat pneumonia in a natural way. To a cup of hot water, add a few pieces of ginger and steep for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add honey to taste. Drink ginger tea 2-3 times in a day.
5. Holy basil leaves
Chew a few basils leaves 2-3 times in a day. Holy basil leaves are rich in antioxidant and exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.
You can also check out:- Home Remedies For Seasonal Allergies
6. Luke Warm Compress
If you have fever lukewarm compress helps the body to cool itself from outside. A cold compress is not recommended as a sudden change in the temperature causes chills. Lukewarm compress provides a gradual change in body temperature.
Wet a towel with lukewarm water. Take a small towel for this purpose. Wring out the excess of water and place the towel on the patient’s forehead. Repeat this a few times or whenever required to lower down the temperature.
7. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint expels mucus and alleviates irritation. It is painkiller, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant.
Drink peppermint tea a few times a day.
You can also check out:- How To Get Rid Of Salivary Gland Infection
8. Keep yourself hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated is very important. Make sure to drink at least 78 cups of water every day. This will also keep the fever down and help to thin the mucus.
9. Garlic
Garlic contains allicin that is antibacterial and also acts as an expectorant. Chew 3-4 garlic cloves daily or add them to food.
You can also check out:- How To Get Rid Of Cough
Once the treatment is started pneumonia steadily improves. If symptoms do not subside even after 6 weeks it is better to see your doctor. Severe cases may require immediate hospitalization and it may take the patient 6 months to fully recover. It is always advised to eat healthily and take plenty of rest to heal your body.
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