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Natural Home Remedies for Pneumonia

Introduction:  

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. It can occur in one or both of the lungs. It is a severe form of infection and can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. In pneumonia, the lungs are filled with pus and fluid.1 People of all age groups can contract pneumonia, but children aged four years and below, along with the elderly, are more prone to pneumonia.2 

If you feel like you might have pneumonia, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. A severe type of pneumonia may require hospitalisation. You will need diagnostic tests to confirm whether you have pneumonia.3 Based on the diagnosis, your doctor will prescribe a treatment.3 However, there are some remedies that you can follow to get relief from the symptoms of pneumonia, but these remedies should be used as supportive therapy and not as a stand-alone treatment. 

Breathing excercise like pranayama is important in recovery phase to improve injured lung capacity.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

What Causes Pneumonia? 

Pneumonia can be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. You might develop bacterial pneumonia after you have contracted viral infections like flu or cold. Viral pneumonia is mostly mild and gets corrected on its own after a few weeks. But sometimes, it can be serious enough to require hospitalisation. Fungal pneumonia is often seen in people with a weakened immune system or people with long-term medical conditions.3 

The causes of bacterial pneumonia are: 

The causes of viral pneumonia are: 

The causes of fungal pneumonia are: 

Also Read: Home Remedies for Runny Nose

If you are pregnant and develop pneumonia, consulting a physician is very critical as it may harm the fetus and the mother as it reduces the flow of oxygen and may be a cause of premature birth.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Symptoms of Pneumonia: 

Symptoms of pneumonia include: 

The symptoms of pneumonia may vary from mild to severe in different age groups. Some infants and newborns may not show any signs of infection. While some might show signs of vomiting along with cough and fever. Older people may show milder symptoms along with fever.3  

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies For Chest Congestion

Suggested Home Remedies for Pneumonia: 

Most people affected by pneumonia will be able to stay at home and undergo treatment. The home remedies mentioned below might help you with the symptoms of pneumonia. 

1. Rest  

Getting rest is very important in pneumonia. Taking plenty of rest will help you to recover from pneumonia. Also, as you are taking a rest, you should try to sit up more than lying down. Sitting up will help you to feel better.2 

2. Drink Fluids  

You can try increasing your fluid intake to help you recover from pneumonia. Drinking plenty of fluids is very important for pneumonia.2 It will help to prevent dehydration and also help to aid in your recovery. Water plays a huge role in our health. 

You can use the herbs mentioned below to get relief from the symptoms of pneumonia. These herbs will help you to get rid of the cough and help you breathe easy. 

3. Ginger  

Ginger is beneficial in many respiratory problems, including cough. Ginger is a widely used natural remedy for cough. There are several ways to use ginger. 

You can crush some fresh ginger, add it to water and bring the water to a boil. This ginger water can be taken several times a day to relieve coughing and chest congestion. Ginger can also be taken in combination with Tulsi leaves. Take crushed leaves of Tulsi, mix them in ginger juice and add honey for the taste. You can swallow this mixture to relieve the cough.4 

4. Honey  

Honey is an effective cough remedy. Drinking hot milk with honey can help to get rid of dry cough and relieve chest pain that might arise due to constant coughing. Honey is easily accessible, which makes it a viable option.4  

5. Jaggery  

Jaggery is an effective remedy to relieve cough as well as chest congestion. It can help in expelling the sputum built up in the lungs and providing relief from the feeling of congestion in the entire respiratory tract. To use jaggery, you can boil some jaggery with pepper and add some cumin seeds. Drink this mixture to get relief from symptoms like chest congestion.4  

6. Thyme Leaves  

Thyme leaves are good for respiratory problems. The essence extracted from the leaves helps to manage cough and bronchitis (inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tube, which carries air to and from the lungs). Thyme leaves also contain flavonoids that have many health benefits. They relax throat muscles and reduce swelling. You can easily prepare thyme tea at home. Thyme tea is prepared by taking crushed leaves and boiling them with water. Let it rest for some time to steep all the essence. Drinking this tea helps to relax the lung muscles and open the airways.4 

7. Grapes  

Grapes can help in releasing the mucus from the affected parts of the respiratory tract. You can eat grapes to get their benefits. Another way of using grapes is making some fresh grape juice. You can drink this grape juice to help clear out the mucus. You can also take this grape juice with honey to enhance its effectiveness.4 

8. Cayenne Pepper  

Cayenne pepper or red pepper is an effective remedy for cough. It also reduces the chest pain associated with continuous coughing. Cayenne pepper can be used along with ginger, honey, apple cider vinegar and water.4  

Also Read: Effective Home Remedies For Hiccups

When to Seek Medical Help? 

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that can become severe and in some cases, it can also become fatal.5 If you notice any symptoms of pneumonia, contact your healthcare provider immediately. 

Conclusion: 

Pneumonia is a lung disease that can be caused by bacteria, fungi and viruses. Pneumonia can be mild or serious, depending on the cause. In pneumonia, one or both of the lungs get filled with mucus and fluids, which cause symptoms like breathlessness and chest pain. Most cases of pneumonia might require people to stay at home. You can use home remedies like ginger, jaggery, honey and thyme to get relief from the symptoms. Drinking plenty of fluids and taking rest can help you to speed up your recovery. If you notice any symptoms of pneumonia, seek medical help immediately. First, it is important to get the necessary diagnosis. Your doctor will prescribe a treatment based on your diagnosis.  

Also Read: Simple Home Remedies for Sneezing

Frequently Asked Questions: 

What are the home remedies for pneumonia?  

Some remedies can be used to ease the symptoms of pneumonia. Ginger, thyme, cayenne and honey can be used to relieve cough and congestion. You can also use jaggery to help with the cough.4 You also need to take plenty of fluids to aid in your recovery.2 It is advised to follow up with the doctor for treatment of pneumonia. 

Can I treat pneumonia at home?  

While viral pneumonia may improve on its own with time, bacterial and fungal pneumonia require timely medical attention. Also, you need a proper diagnosis to confirm pneumonia.3 Pneumonia is a lung infection that can become severe, if not treated timely.5 Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor and get the necessary diagnosis and treatment. 

Can pneumonia become fatal?  

Yes, pneumonia is a severe lung infection that requires timely medical intervention. Pneumonia, if not treated in time, can become fatal.5 If you notice any signs or symptoms of pneumonia, contact your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.  

What causes pneumonia?  

Pneumonia is a lung disease that is caused by bacteria, viruses or certain fungi. Bacterial pneumonia is the most predominant form of pneumonia.3 

Can pneumonia go away on its own?  

Viral pneumonia can get better with time on its own.3 But, you should consult with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms. If you notice any symptoms of pneumonia, contact your doctor immediately. 

Can pneumonia cause other complications?  

Most cases of pneumonia respond well to the treatment. But pneumonia can have severe and even deadly complications. The risk of developing such complications is high in the elderly, young children, people with a weak immune system and people who have cirrhosis or diabetes. The complications involve respiratory failure, lung abscesses (swollen areas containing pus) that might require surgery and sepsis (infection reaches the blood).1  

Also Read: Best Home Remedies for Snoring

References: 

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Pneumonia; [cited 2022 May 17]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/pneumonia 

2. Better Health Channel [Internet]. Pneumonia; [cited 2022 May 17]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/pneumonia 

3. MedlinePlus [Internet]. Pneumonia; 2021 Jun 20; [cited 2022 May 17]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/pneumonia.html 

4. Sultana S, Khan A, Safhi MM, Alhazmi HA. Cough Suppressant Herbal Drugs: A Review. Int J Pharm Sci Invent [Internet]. 2016 Aug [cited 2022 May 17];5(5):15-28. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/308369657_Cough_Suppressant_Herbal_Drugs_A_Review 

5. American Lung Association [Internet]. Five Facts You Should Know About Pneumonia; 2020 Oct 23 [cited 2022 May 17]. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/pneumonia/five-facts-you-should-know 

  

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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8 Common Lung Problems: What You Should Know

Lungs are one of the most affected organs with the changing temperatures and climate. Respiratory disorders stem from a lot of causes- the primary being a genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Exposure to agents that are harmful can also cause severe lung problems. Let us take a look at the most common ones and what you should know about them.

  1. The Common Cold

Cold is one of the most common lung infections. It spreads from someone’s coughs and sneezes who are already sick with a cold. It is a viral infection and can trigger bouts of asthma and even pneumonia. The cold has no cure.

  1. Asthma

When the bronchioles in the lungs get inflamed, it can trigger an asthma attack which causes swelling up of the airways and leads to breathing difficulties. A dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath are common symptoms. Allergens, pollution and other infections can trigger asthma.

  1. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD is the common term for many respiratory issues that is symptomized by breathlessness, problems in exhalation, mucus in the lungs, and shortness of breath. It takes time to identify COPD as it takes a long while to develop and the symptoms are usually thought of as an aging process. It is related to smoking.

  1. Bronchitis

When the bronchioles, the tubes that carry the air to and fro from the lungs get inflamed, it is known as bronchitis. Allergens, cold, flu, and pollution can cause bronchitis. Colored mucus, sometimes it even has blood, a fever and the infection that lasts for more than three weeks usually are symptoms of bronchitis. It is treated with antibiotics.

  1. Pneumonia

When the air sacs in the lung get filled with fluid due to a viral or a bacterial infection, it is known as pneumonia. Fever, breathlessness, cough with thick mucus are some of the symptoms. For pneumonia caused by bacteria, antibiotics help. Drinking lot of fluids is also beneficial.

  1. Pleurisy

When the space between the lungs and the chest wall fills up with fluid, it is known as pleurisy or pleural effusion. This could happen because of pneumonia, congestive heart failure or even cancer. Discomfort in the chest and breathlessness are common symptoms.

Apart from the ones in the blog public should be made aware of Tuberculosis which is a major public health problem and is completely curable. If anyone has cough for more than 2 weeks please get yourself tested for Tuberculosis.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
  1. Cystic Fibrosis

It is a genetic disease that causes lung airways to clog up with thick, sticky mucus. The patient falls prey to lung infections repeatedly. Frequent lung infections, repeated coughing and poor growth rate with a salty taste on the skin are common symptoms.

  1. Lung Cancer

This is one of the hardest cancers to detect. It can develop anywhere in the lungs. The tumors pop up near the air sacs. Chronic coughing, voice changes, blood in cough and harsh breathing sounds are common symptoms.

Smoking causes most lung infections. Avoid people sick with lung infections and places that are dusty and are exposed to harsh chemicals. Quit smoking to stay lung happy.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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5 Common Winter Illnesses And Tips To Prevent Them

Common Winter Ailments

With a cool nip in the air, we can confirm that winter is finally here! It is the time of the year to indulge in rich foods, festivities and even vacations. While we look forward to being dolled up in our winter finery, we cannot ignore the fact that this winter season has an ugly side to it too. The winter ugliness rears its head in the form of diseases and health ailments!

A sudden drop in temperature brings with it health issues such as arthritis and heart ailments etc. However, the winter season is the time to look out for skin-related diseases and respiratory infections as well.

How To Prevent Common Winter Ailments

1. Common Cold

The common cold is way too common and often we ignore it as something that is a part of changing season. Symptoms of a common cold include a sore throat, chest congestion, headache, sneezing, runny nose etc. Affecting adults and children alike, the common cold is expected to subside in a couple of days and doesn’t call for any serious medical intervention.

How To Prevent:

2. Flu

While the flu is not a serious health ailment like the common cold, it should not be ignored. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus that goes by the name ‘influenza’. It can be mild or severe as well. Similar to the cold, a flu patient experiences body ache, sore throat, fever, headaches etc. and these are enough to ruin the season.

How To Prevent:

Vaccination against influenza is another important thing. For most people who need only one dose of flu vaccine for the season, September and October are generally good times to be vaccinated against flu.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

3. Strep Throat

A sore throat is very annoying and uncomfortable. But strep throat is worse! A strep throat is a severe version of a sore throat, with fever caused by an infection. It is caused by a bacterial infection and is very common among children. Symptoms of strep throat include difficulty and pain while swallowing food or water, headache, swollen lymph nodes, fever etc.

How To Prevent:

4. Bronchitis

Children or toddlers below the age of 2 years often fall prey to Bronchitis. Bronchitis is a respiratory infection caused by RSV or the respiratory syncytial virus. Typical symptoms include breathing difficulty due to the inflammation of airway passage in the lungs as they get clogged. Patients with bronchitis experience mild fever, congestion of the nasal passage, wheezing and coughing.

How To Prevent:

5. Pneumonia

Pneumonia is another lung infection which common in the winter season. A disease caused by bacteria can be mild or severe in nature which ans if it is mild, it can be treated at home but if it gets severe, hospitalization is possible too.

People who have weaker immunity or health issues like asthma, heart issues or even cancer are prone to suffer from pneumonia. Unfortunately, this disease is difficult to detect in the initial stages. However, if the patient experiences a constant cold or high fever, it is best to seek a doctor.

How To Prevent:

Winter Skin Ailments

Along with respiratory issues, winter brings a host of skin troubles; itching, flaring of eczema, psoriasis etc. The most basic skincare requirement for this season is to keep the skin moisturized.

The most common skin ailments in winter are flaky, itchy skin, dehydrated skin and UV damage & chapped lips. Unbeknownst to many, you must continue to wear your sunscreen before you step out.

Respiratory infections are very common in winter months, if you experience any symptoms of flu accompanied by shortness of breath, increased mucus production and severe muscle pain, you should visit a physician to diagnose the underlying problem.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

How To Prevent Winter Skin Problems

But Ever Wonder Why We Fall Ill In The Winter Season?

The reasons are many and moreover, we tend to let go of ourselves as the cold weather takes over. Plus, the season is not conducive for hard work – people tend to oversleep and overeat. They have to be really motivated to even take a walk. The gym stops as does the swimming or jogging. Also, the winter season is a season of festivity and weddings. Therefore, following a healthy diet becomes difficult and with no chance of burning the calories, they just pile up.

Lack of exercise, sedentary lifestyle creates a lack of circulation and therefore, an increase in fat accumulation in the body. Fat cells can also cause inflammation and weaken the immune system.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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