Best Thing To Take For Pneumonia

Home Remedies For Symptoms Of Pneumonia

Depending on the origin of pneumonia, a doctor will prescribe medication to treat the infection, but throughout the recovery process, they will also specify:

• Getting plenty of sleep
• Eating nutritious foods
• Drinking plenty of fluids and staying hydrated

In addition, some home remedies may help individuals manage health problems and enhance recovery. The following are some natural methods that may help reduce the severity of Pneumonia:

1. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and fenugreek tea

Many warm herbal teas can help calm a scratchy throat, but herbs may be more advantageous. A study found that herbs, including peppermint and eucalyptus, had a calming effect on an individuals throat with upper respiratory tract viruses. These herbs may assist in breaking down the mucus and thus relieve the discomfort and inflammation caused by pneumonia.

Therefore, tea made from ground fenugreek seeds, eucalyptus or tea tree oils may ease a persistent cough. People can use these in a diffuser as well. However, it is essential to note that overuse of oils can aggravate their existing symptoms.

2. A saltwater gargle

Mucus in the oesophagus and chest can trigger more enhanced coughing and irritation. Something as simple as a warm saltwater gargle may help dislodge mucus or germs in the throat, providing some relief.

3. Vitamin C

4. Rest

5. Ginger or turmeric tea

6. Warm liquids

Sipping on warm liquids can help warm the body up and limit chills.

Some examples of warm drinks include:

Tea Tree And Eucalyptus Oils

Tea tree oil and eucalyptus oils are antibacterial. And for that reason, they are able to help fight your sickness.

They will help kill the germs that cause pneumonia. Eucalyptus oil also relieves congestion by breaking up mucus in the lungs.

Process 1:

• Boil water and stir in 5 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil.
• Pour the water into a bowl.
• Drape a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale the steam.
• Do this until Stopped getting oil fragrance.
• Now blow nose gently to clear the mucus which causes the problem.
• Repeat 3 times a day.
• You can use other essential oils for pneumonia like lavender, lemon or camphor essential oil in the place of tea tree oil or eucalyptus oil.

Process 2:

• Mix 20 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil with 1 tablespoon of almond or coconut oil.
• Before bed, rub the mixture on the neck and chest.
• Leave on overnight, then rinse in the morning.
• Repeat nightly.
• Note: Do not change quantities.

Process 3:

• Dip a cotton cloth in carrier oil or vegetable oil.
• Place it in oven at low temperature and warm the cloth.
• Pour 20 drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil and rub cloth gently to spread evenly.
• Lie down and place the cloth on the chest.
• Leave it on 30 minutes.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day.

What Is The Outlook For Pneumonia

People who are otherwise healthy often recover quickly when given prompt and proper care. However, pneumonia is a serious condition and can be life-threatening if left untreated and especially for those individuals at increased risk for pneumonia.

Even patients who have been successfully treated and have fully recovered may face long-term health issues. Children who have recovered from pneumonia have an increased risk of chronic lung diseases. Adults may experience:

• General decline in quality of life for months or years

Read Also: Treatment For Walking Pneumonia In Adults

How Is Walking Pneumonia Treated

Walking pneumonia is usually mild, does not require hospitalization and is treated with antibiotics . Several types of antibiotics are effective. Antibiotics that are used to treat walking pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae include:

• Macrolide antibiotics: Macrolide drugs are the preferred treatment for children and adults. Macrolides include azithromycin and clarithromycin . Over the past decade, some strains of Mycoplasma pneumoniae have become resistant to macrolide antibiotics, possibly due to the widespread use of azithromycin to treat various illnesses.
• Fluoroquinolones: These drugs include ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin . Fluoroquinolones are not recommended for young children.
• Tetracyclines: This group includes doxycycline and tetracycline. They are suitable for adults and older children.

Often, over-the-counter medications can also be taken to help relieve symptoms of nasal congestion, cough and loosen mucus buildup in the chest. If you have a fever:

• Drink more fluids

When Your Child Coughs

Ask your childâs doctor before you give them cough medicine. In fact, if they are younger than 6 years old, ask before you try any over-the-counter remedies. A humidifier next to their bed may help. If they have a hard time sleeping, prop up their head and chest so theyâre higher than the rest of their body. And donât let anyone smoke in your house — that could make their cough worse.

You May Like: Does Pneumonia Cause Lung Scarring

How Can I Tell If I Have Pneumonia Versus The Common Cold Or The Flu

Do I have a cold or could it be the flu or even pneumonia? Its tough to tell the difference but critical to know when to seek medical care

Watch for these ongoing symptoms that occur in pneumonia:

• Serious congestion or chest pain.
• Difficulty breathing.
• A fever of 102 or higher.
• Coughing that produces pus.

Pneumonia symptoms last longer than cold and flu. If your symptoms arent severe, its okay to try such home remedies as getting more rest, drinking more fluids and taking some over-the-counter medicines and see what happens. But if you dont see improvement in your symptoms after three to five days, or if you are experiencing more serious symptoms such as dizziness or severe difficulty breathing, see your healthcare provider. Dont let it go. Pneumonia-like symptoms in very young children or in adults older than 65 are a cause for concern. Also, pneumonia can cause permanent lung damage if left untreated for too long. And always seek immediate care if you experience chest pain or have breathing difficulties.

Drink Hot Peppermint Tea

Peppermint can also helpalleviate irritation and expel mucus. Research suggests that it can be an effective decongestant, anti-inflammatory, and painkiller.

If you dont already have peppermint tea, you can pick up loose or bagged teas at your local grocery or online. And if you have fresh peppermint, you can easily make your own tea.

You may wish to deeply inhale the aroma of the peppermint tea while the tea is steeping. This might help clear your nasal pathways.

Recommended Reading: Can Urgent Care Test For Pneumonia

Pneumonia Diet: What Should Patient Eat And Not Eat For The Fastest Recovery

August 11, 2020 by Reed Carver

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs characterized by inflammation of the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs or alveoli fill up with phlegm or pus resulting in shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing. It is a chronic disease that could be fatal if not treated in good time. It occurs more in infants, old people and other invalids due to their vulnerability that is a result of weak immune systems. It can be treated easily upon early diagnosis but can result in complications leading to death if left untreated over long periods of time.

Apply A Lukewarm Compress Or Take A Lukewarm Bath

Submerging your body in a lukewarm bath might help you bring down your body temperature.

You can also use a lukewarm compress to help cool your body from the outside inward if a bath is not convenient. Although it may be tempting to use a cold compress, the sudden temperature shift can cause chills. A lukewarm compress provides a more gradual, comfortable temperature change.

Chills may come on before or during a fever. They typically subside after your fever breaks. This may last up to a week, depending on when you begin treatment for pneumonia.

Also Check: Does Pneumonia Cause Scar Tissue

Avoid Exposure To People Who Are Ill

Most respiratory infections are spread through tiny particles in the air or on the surfaces we touch. Avoiding contact with people that you know are sick is an important step in preventing respiratory infections and possible pneumonia.

If youre in a crowded area or cant avoid being near people who are sick, be sure to:

• wash your hands frequently
• encourage others to cover their cough or sneeze
• avoid sharing personal items

How Is Bacterial Pneumonia Treated

Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics, which usually help people feel better within a few days to a week.

People who are very old, very young, have shortness of breath, or have a high fever may need to be admitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics. If you need to go to the hospital, your doctor may do cultures from sputum or blood tests to identify and target the exact bacteria.

People with more severe cases of bacterial pneumonia may be treated with oxygen, intravenous fluids, and breathing treatments to ease symptoms.

You May Like: Symptoms Of Pneumonia In Your Lungs

How Is Viral Pneumonia Treated

Viral pneumonias are more likely to be treated at home, and not at the hospital.

Viral pneumonia caused by the flu can be treated with an antiviral medication called Tamiflu , but for many other viral pneumonias, your doctor can only treat the symptoms. This means drinking lots of fluids, eating well, resting, taking medication for pain or fever, and treating breathing difficulties.

Viral pneumonia may take one to three weeks to clear completely.

Mycoplasmal pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which was originally thought to be a virus or a fungus, but has since been classified as a bacteria. Also called atypical pneumonia, it’s a mild and common type that’s most likely to affect children and young adults.

This type of pneumonia can be treated with several types of antibiotics, and usually doesn’t require hospitalization.

The Effects Of Pneumonia On The Body

Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of pneumonia. Fungi can induce pneumonia, too. The infection causes inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs. This results in a buildup of fluid that makes it hard to breathe. Pneumonia can be a medical emergency, especially among high-risk groups like people over 65 and children 5 or younger.

Pneumonia typically affects the lungs, but complications can lead to problems in other areas of the body, too. These can be very serious and even deadly. Your risk, treatment, and recovery time depend on what caused the infection, your age, and any additional health issues you had before getting pneumonia.

Recommended Reading: Is Nausea A Sign Of Pneumonia

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Bacterial Versus Viral Pneumonia In Adults

Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild sometimes called walking pneumonia to severe. How serious your case of pneumonia depends on the particular germ causing pneumonia, your overall health, and your age.

Bacterial pneumonia: Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly. Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Tiredness

Additional symptoms appearing about a day later include:

• Higher fever
• Shortness of breath

Walking Pneumonia Vs Bronchitis Symptoms

Both bronchitis and walking pneumonia have similar symptoms, but the two diseases are not the same. Bronchitis affects the bronchial tubes, not the small airways of the lungs.

Bronchitis symptoms may include:

• runny, stuffy nose
• shortness of breath

The main difference is that the recovery time tends to be shorter with acute bronchitis than with pneumonia. But recovering from chronic bronchitis may take a long time.

Read Also: How Does Having Pneumonia Feel

#say No To Fried Foods

Excessive fried food over time can cause weight gain, which increases pressure on the lungs. Wondering how? Well, fried foods cause can cause bloating and discomfort by pushing on the diaphragm, making it difficult and uncomfortable to breathe.

Everyone likes eating well, but with a chronic condition such as lung disease, it’s more important to eat healthily. Ask your doctor before you change your diet. And not just eating healthy, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular exercises can also help you fight pneumonia.

Why Does It Take So Long To Recover From Pneumonia

You can’t see the damage pneumonia causes, but you certainly feel it.

The air sacs in your lungs become inflamed during pneumonia, leading to soreness and pain. If the infection and inflammation progress, your lungs may fill with fluid and dead lung tissue, leading to the green, yellow or even bloody mucus you cough up. This fluid may also affect how well oxygen is able to transfer into your bloodstream, leading to difficulty breathing.

“Once the infection is cleared with treatment, your body still has to deal with removing all of the fluid, damage and debris left behind in your lungs. This can take a few weeks, resulting in a lingering cough and reduced lung capacity,” explains Dr. Lee. “During this time, you may find physical exertion more tiring than usual.”

A more severe case of pneumonia can cause even more damage to your lungs, which can be significant and even permanent in some cases.

“After severe pneumonia, lung capacity is reduced and muscles may be weak from being so ill. Significant weight loss can further contribute to weakness and other health conditions may be aggravated due to the stress placed on the body during illness. These are all things your body will need time to recover from,” says Dr. Lee.

In fact, it may take another several months for you to fully heal and regain strength.

Also Check: How Does Pneumonia Affect The Heart

Whole Grains And Cereals

They are a healthy source of complex carbohydrates which are broken down in the body to provide energy for the patient. For chronic patients, they experience body weakness and require a healthy source of energy such as whole grains and cereals. Examples are oatmeal, millet, barley, brown rice, and buckwheat found in whole wheat flour. They are also a source of vitamin B complex and micro nutrients such as selenium, magnesium, iron and folic acid. The micro nutrients increase the bodyâs ability to fight off infection and promote overall health.

How Can Walking Pneumonia Be Prevented

Unfortunately, no vaccines are available to prevent walking pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Even if you have recovered from walking pneumonia, you will not become immune, so it is possible to become infected again in the future.

Tips for preventing walking pneumonia include:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. If a tissue isnt available, sneeze or cough into the inside of your elbow or sleeve. Never sneeze or cough into your hands. Place used tissues into a waste basket.
• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Wear a mask around sick people if you have respiratory conditions or other chronic health conditions that would make getting pneumonia even riskier for you.
• Get your annual Influenza shot. Bacterial pneumonia can develop after a case of the flu.
• Ask your doctor about the pneumococcal vaccine. Two types of vaccines are available, Prevnar 13® and Pneumovax 23®. Each vaccine is recommended for people at different age points or who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia.

Read Also: I Have Pneumonia And My Chest Hurts

How Is Walking Pneumonia Diagnosed

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, how long youve had them and if any other family members or people you regularly interact with are also ill with similar symptoms. He or she will listen to your lungs with a stethoscope to check for abnormal breath sounds. Your doctor may order chest X-rays to see if there is an infection in your lungs. Your blood or mucus might be tested to determine if your pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, another bacteria, virus or fungus.

How To Treat Pneumonia: Can Natural Remedies Help

This article was co-authored by Zora Degrandpre, ND. Dr. Degrandpre is a Licensed Naturopathic Physician in Vancouver, Washington. She is also a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. She received her ND from the National College of Natural Medicine in 2007.There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 28,890 times.

You May Like: Reactions To Flu And Pneumonia Shots

Risk Factors For Pneumonia

Certain groups of people are more susceptible to developing pneumonia and are at higher risk of suffering from its complications. They include

• Newborn infants and children whose age is 2 years or less.
• Individuals above 65 years of age.
• Those under medications or already suffering from any disease are at a higher risk due to their weakened immunity.
• Smokers and people who misuse drugs also have a higher probability of developing pneumonia.

If your symptoms are severe or you have been suffering from pneumonia for a long period without treatment, get medical help immediately. The emphasis on treating pneumonia at the earliest should not be taken lightly. This is because, if left untreated, it can become life-threatening. Hence, use these home remedies to treat pneumonia as soon as you observe the onset of its symptoms and do let us know if you found them useful.

Tips For Regaining Your Strength After Severe Pneumonia

• Get plenty of rest
• Slowly start moving around once you’re ready but don’t overdo it
• Complete any treatments prescribed by your doctor
• Eat a nutritious diet
• Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
• Limit exposure to throat irritants, including pollution and alcohol
• Perform deep breathing exercises
• Consult with your doctor before returning to exercise

Aim to slowly work back into your usual routine and be sure to take note of any signs that the infection may be coming back.

“Pneumonia can be incredibly taxing and there’s no one-size-fits-all to recovery. Some people feel better in about six weeks, but it can take several months for others to feel better after severe pneumonia,” adds Dr. Lee. “Most importantly, be patient with your body.”

If your recovery is prolonged, a specialized program focused on pulmonary rehabilitation may help get you back on track.

You May Like: Are There Any Side Effects From The Pneumonia Shot