How Can I Get Rid Of Pneumonia

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.

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.

For Shortness Of Breath

With pneumonia, your breathing may suddenly become rapid and shallow, or this symptom could develop gradually over the course of a few days.

You may even experience breathlessness while youre resting. Your doctor may prescribe medication or inhalers to help. Even as you try the suggestions below, make sure you keep up with your physicians instructions and dosages.

If the following suggestions dont help and your breath becomes even shorter, seek immediate medical care.

You May Like: Can A Sinus Infection Turn Into Bronchitis Or Pneumonia

Caring For A Child Battling Pneumonia

If you think your child has pneumonia, schedule an appointment with their pediatrician promptly. In most cases, pneumonia can be treated at home after your child sees their doctor, but in more serious cases children require hospitalization.

Tips for caring for your child at home:

I hope this information is helpful. Remember, pneumonia prevention is key and that involves your family staying healthy. Remind your child to wash their hands frequently and practice good hygiene, keep them away from those that are sick, feed them healthy and nutritious food and make sure they get vaccinated. I always think that parent instincts are spot-on, so if you are worried that your child may have pneumonia, make sure they are evaluated promptly by the pediatrician.

How Is Pneumonia Spread From Person To Person

Pneumonia is spread when droplets of fluid containing the pneumonia bacteria or virus are launched in the air when someone coughs or sneezes and then inhaled by others. You can also get pneumonia from touching an object previously touched by the person with pneumonia or touching a tissue used by the infected person and then touching your mouth or nose.

Read Also: How To Test For Bronchitis Or Pneumonia

Eat More Vegetable Proteins

Animal-based proteins are hard to digest, especially when your body is fighting off an infection. When youre sick, its important to get as much protein as possible from vegetable-based sources. Spinach, broccoli, and quinoa are all protein-packed plant-based foods that also have the advantage of being high in fibre, which helps keep you regular another important thing when youre sick.

How Your Doctor Chooses

Your doctor will select the right antibiotic for you based on multiple factors, including:

• Your age: People 65 and older have a greater risk of serious complications from pneumonia infections.
• Your health history: A history of smoking, lung diseases, or other conditions may influence a persons ability to fight off infections.
• The exact infection you have: Your doctor may take a sample and test it for bacteria. They can then pick an antibiotic based on your specific infection.
• Your previous experiences with antibiotics: Make sure to tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, had bad reactions to antibiotics in the past, or have developed an antibacterial-resistant infection.
• The antibiotic sensitivity of the bacteria: The lab will test the bacteria causing your pneumonia to determine which antibiotics it is sensitive or resistant to.

Doctors typically choose your antibiotics prescription based on what medicines they think will be most effective and cause the fewest side effects.

Read Also: Normal Pulse Ox With Pneumonia

Pneumonia In Dogs Home Treatment

When returning home, your vet will provide you with specific instructions on caring for your dog during their recovery. Typical pneumonia in dogs treatment includes:

• Restricting your dog’s activities while they recover.
• Keeping other pets and small children away from your dog in order in order to allow them to get plenty of rest.
• A consistent supply of fresh water to help keep them hydrated.
• Making sure they eat, even if they are not enthusiastic to accept food. Pneumonia often makes dogs food averse but it is important to make sure they get the nutrients they need.
• Treating your dog with a steam treatment by running a hot shower while you sit with your dog in the bathroom or shower room.

What Are The Risk Factors For Pneumonia

While pneumonia can affect people of all ages, the following age groups face a greater risk:

• Infants who are two years old or younger
• Adults who are 65 years old or older

Several conditions place people at risk for pneumonia, as they often result in a weakened or suppressed immune system. These include:

• Conditions that require an organ, blood or marrow stem cell transplant

Other risk factors for pneumonia include:

• Abusing alcohol
• Exposure to some chemicals, toxic fumes or pollutants
• Smoking cigarettes
• Staying in a hospital intensive care unit, especially if using a ventilator

You May Like: Do You Need To Get A Pneumonia Shot Every Year

Basil And Black Pepper

Basil and black pepper act as natural decongestants. Black pepper expels the mucus from the air sacs and dries up the fluids which cause pneumonia infection.

Process 1:

• Crush 5-7 basil leaves to extract juice.
• Mix with ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
• Consume every 6 hours to cure pneumonia.

Process 2:

• Repeat 2 times a week.

Garlic Onion Lemon Honey Coconut Oil And Lavender Oil

Garlic kills the viruses, parasites, and bacteria that cause pneumonia. It has allicin, an antiviral and antibacterial agent, which helps to strengthen your immune system to fight against the illness. In addition, it can also reduce phlegm in your lungs. You can eat raw garlic, use it to season the food, or follow the ways below.

Here are 7 useful ways on how to get rid of pneumonia naturally and fast at home.

Way 1: Garlic juice, lemon juice, and honey

Ingredients:

• Honey 1 teaspoon

Directions:

• Firstly, you crush a garlic clove by using a press to take 1 teaspoon of its juice.
• Then, you mix this juice with lemon juice and honey.
• Now, you consume 1 teaspoon of the mixture to relieve pneumonia and its pain.
• You should have this mixture for about 3 times per day on the daily basis.

Way 2: Garlic

• At first, you crush these garlic cloves to take a paste.
• Then, you massage this paste into your chest for about 5 minutes.
• It clears your respiratory tract.
• You should repeat this way daily.

Way 3: Garlic cloves and lavender oil

Ingredients:

• Firstly, you grind these garlic cloves by using a blender to make a thin paste.
• Then, you add lavender oil into it and blend them again.
• Next, you massage this paste into your chest for about 5 minutes.
• Now, you let it absorb into your skin.
• You should repeat this way for about 5 times per day on the daily basis.

Read Also: What Antibiotics Treat Walking Pneumonia

Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia

The most common symptoms of pneumonia include cough, fever, shaking, chills, and shortness of breath. Additional symptoms that can also be present include headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, sweating, nausea and vomiting, muscle pain, and chest pain when breathing deeply or coughing. Older adults with pneumonia may experience confusion or delirium.

Is There A Vaccine For Pneumonia

There isnt a vaccine for all types of pneumonia, but 2 vaccines are available. These help prevent pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The first is recommended for all children younger than 5 years of age. The second is recommended for anyone age 2 or older who is at increased risk for pneumonia. Getting the pneumonia vaccine is especially important if you:

• Are 65 years of age or older.
• Smoke.
• Have certain chronic conditions, such as asthma, lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, sickle cell disease, or cirrhosis.
• Have a weakened immune system because of HIV/AIDS, kidney failure, a damaged or removed spleen, a recent organ transplant, or receiving chemotherapy.
• Have cochlear implants .

The pneumococcal vaccines cant prevent all cases of pneumonia. But they can make it less likely that people who are at risk will experience the severe, and possibly life-threatening, complications of pneumonia.

Don’t Miss: Can Pneumonia Cause Low Oxygen Levels

Stages Of Pneumonia In Seniors

Anyone can get pneumonia with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Seniors may be more likely to get pneumonia and experience serious complications. Due to these higher risks, senior care providers need to recognize early pneumonia symptoms in seniors.

They also should understand the four stages of pneumonia so they can seek prompt treatment from a qualified healthcare provider.

What Can I Do To Treat My Chest Infection

If you have a chest infection, you should:

• Have plenty of rest.
• Drink lots to prevent your body becoming lacking in fluids and to help keep the mucus in your lungs thin and easier to cough up.
• Inhale steam vapour, perhaps with added menthol. This can help to clear the mucus from your chest. Never use hot water for a childs cough, in case they get scalded by accident
• Avoid lying flat at night to help keep your chest clear of mucus and make it easier to breathe.
• Take paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin to reduce high temperature and to ease any aches, pains and headaches.
• If you smoke, you should try to stop smoking for good. Bronchitis, chest infections and serious lung diseases are more common in smokers.
• If your throat is sore from coughing, you can relieve the discomfort with a warm drink of honey and lemon.

Recommended Reading: Do You Have A Headache With Pneumonia

Improve Your Immune System To Get Rid Of Pneumonia At Home

Last but not the least is improving your immune system. Try to boost your immune system to get rid of pneumonia at home. A strong immune system ensures a healthy life of a person as it protects us from getting any disease. Take a diet that enhances the immune system. Follow the given measure to boost up your immune system and stay away from diseases and this will help you to get rid of pneumonia at home.

• Vegetables juice: it is very problematic to eat vegetable because of loss of appetite. So take vegetable juices 2 to 3 times a day. It helps to improve the immune system. One who is not suffering can also take these juices because it enhances the immune system.
• Yoga:practice can heal almost every problem of human body magically. Include yoga in your daily life. It boosts the immune system and improve the respiratory system.
• Water: water helps to build the weak immune system. It also helps to kill the bacteria very effectively. Try to intake warm water this will help to remove cough problem. Drink at least 10 to 12 glasses of water per day.
• Meditation and 1 hour walk:If the busy schedule does not allow you to go for physical activity do meditation and 1 hour walk a day. This will magically change the immune system within a month. In the first week you may not be able to walk for 1 hour, but try to increase the time every day. After a month, try to start running session for 10 to 20 minutes in this walk.

• TAGS

Be Aware Of Your General Health

• Since pneumonia often follows respiratory infections, be aware of any symptoms that linger more than a few days.
• Good health habitsa healthy diet, rest, regular exercise, etc.help you from getting sick from viruses and respiratory illnesses. They also help promote fast recovery when you do get a cold, the flu or other respiratory illness.

If you have children, talk to their doctor about:

• Hib vaccine, which prevents pneumonia in children from Haemophilus influenza type b
• A drug called Synagis , which is given to some children younger than 24 months to prevent pneumonia caused by respiratory syncytial virus .

If you have cancer or HIV, talk to your doctor about additional ways to prevent pneumonia and other infections.

Recommended Reading: Who Should Take Pneumonia Vaccine

What To Expect At Home

You will still have symptoms of pneumonia after you leave the hospital.

• Your cough will slowly get better over 7 to 14 days.
• Sleeping and eating may take up to a week to return to normal.
• Your energy level may take 2 weeks or more to return to normal.

You will need to take time off work. For a while, you might not be able to do other things that you are used to doing.

Costs Of Treating Pneumonia In Dogs

Antibiotics or other required medications can cost anywhere between $50 and $150. If your dog is severely dehydrated from the vomiting fluid therapy may be prescribed which alongside oxygen support can cost around $130. If your dog is hospitalized, the total cost of treatment for pneumonia in dogs can be between $500 and $2000. However, without knowing the cause, it is difficult to know the complete cost, so be sure to ask your vet about what treatment options are best for your dog’s diagnosis. The best way to keep costs low and manageable is to catch pneumonia early, so seek consultation with your vet if you suspect your dog may be suffering from a pneumonia infection.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Also Check: How Long To Recover From Pneumonia

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.

How To Regain Strength After Pneumonia

If you have pneumonia, the first priority is clearing the infection causing it.

This means following your doctors treatment plan very closely. Yes, getting plenty of rest. And, yes, taking every single pill in the bottle of antibiotics your doctor prescribed you if your pneumonia is bacterial in nature.

But, even after your primary symptoms fade away, you may be left feeling lousy, with low energy and/or dealing with a cough that just wont quit. In some cases, you may feel weak for months.

Also Check: How Can You Get Bacterial Pneumonia

Drink A Cup Of Ginger Tea

Ginger has also demonstrated anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties in recent research . As with turmeric, current research on ginger hasnt looked at whether it helps specifically with chest pain, but its a harmless, hydrating way to try and soothe the uncomfortable effects of pneumonia.

You can find loose or bagged ginger teas at your local grocery or online. Or, you can use raw ginger to make your own ginger tea.

Your fever may develop suddenly or over the course of a few days. With treatment, it should subside within the week.

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.

Don’t Miss: Signs Of Pneumonia Vs Bronchitis

Types Of Antibiotics For Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects the lower part of the respiratory system, primarily the lungs or the bronchi.

The bronchi are the air passages that connect the lungs to the windpipe.

Because pneumonia causes the air sacs in your lungs fill with pus and fluid, pneumonia can make it harder to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.

Pneumonia is typically caused by a virus or bacterial infection.

Sometimes fungal infections can lead to pneumonia, but that is rarer, and typically occurs in people with weak immune systems due to other diseases.

Viral pneumonia will often resolve on its own, though it still frequently requires medical care for supportive treatment.

Sometimes pneumonia occurs during or after another viral illness, like the flu or a cold.

If your pneumonia is caused by a virus, antibiotics wont help unless there is also a secondary bacterial infection.

If you have bacterial pneumonia, you will need antibiotics to prevent complications and to help your body clear the infection.

Even with antibiotics, it can still take 4-6 weeks to recover from bacterial pneumonia.

Most bacterial pneumonia that is community-acquired comes from the bacteriaStreptococcus pneumoniae.

There are several different antibiotics are effective at treating this bacterial infection.