What Is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a microbial infection that can affect one or both of your lungs. This infectious condition has the potential to make you very sick by causing inflammation of your lungs, which get filled with fluid or phlegm. Individuals affected by a cold or flu are more likely to develop pneumonia owing to the weakened state of their lungs. A study conducted on the prevalence of community-acquired pneumonia found that the annual incidence is 24.8 cases per 10,000 adults. The mortality rate of pneumonia is as high as 23% and is the eighth leading cause of death. Jennifer Schmidt, a blogger, shared her experience with pneumonia, which significantly impacted her life. She fell seriously ill with pneumonia, affecting her left lung and leading to a loss of 25 lbs. over two weeks. She wrote, “In addition, pneumonia has left me with difficulty breathing. And when I am doing something strenuous, I am winded much quicker and I experience coughing fits as a result.” The experience prompted a shift in mindset, making her appreciate life, let go of uncontrollable factors, and focus on personal growth (i). Pneumonia is classified into different types based on what germs caused it, where it was acquired and how. Let us take a look at the same below.
Types Of Pneumonia
Based On Germs
Bacterial Pneumonia: Certain bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila cause penumonia.
Viral Pneumonia: Respiratory viruses are another common cause of pneumonia. However, viral pneumonia is not as serious as bacterial pneumonia. Influenza A and B viruses are the main cause of pneumonia in adults, and the main cause of viral pneumonia in infants is the Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Mycoplasma Pneumonia: Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by a genus of bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. This bacterial species lacks a cell wall and hence remains unaffected by most over-the-counter antibiotics.
Fungal Pneumonia: This type of pneumonia is mainly caused by fungi that are present in the soil or bird droppings. Fungal pneumonia easily affects those who have chronic diseases or weak immune systems.
Based On Where It Was Acquired (Location)
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia: If you develop pneumonia during a hospital stay, it is referred to as hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Community-Acquired Pneumonia: This type of pneumonia is usually acquired in a public place and not in a hospital or institutional setting.
Based On How It Was Acquired
Aspiration Pneumonia: If you happen to develop pneumonia by inhaling bacteria from foods, drinks or saliva, it is called aspiration pneumonia. This type usually occurs when the infected individual has difficulty in swallowing.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: Individuals using a ventilator can also develop pneumonia.
Now that you are familiar with the types of pneumonia, understanding its causes is a lot easier.
Causes Of Pneumonia
Pneumonia is often caused by microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. If you happen to inhale these microbes via air, food, or water, there is a high likelihood that you will develop pneumonia. And if you are already fighting the flu, cold or any other medical conditions like asthma or diabetes, your chances of contracting pneumonia are a lot higher. Read on for the signs and symptoms that surface with the onset of pneumonia.
Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia
The most common symptoms that accompany pneumonia are as follows:
Bouts of coughing that produce phlegm Difficulty in breathing Chest pain that worsens while coughing Persistent fever above 101°F and chills Confusion or disorientation as the condition worsens
Some symptoms of pneumonia may vary depending on its cause. They include:
Viral pneumonia shows flu-like symptoms (such as wheezing) followed by a high fever. Bacterial pneumonia causes a high fever and bluish lips and nails.
The signs of pneumonia also vary in infants and adults and are as follows:
Children under 5 years of age may develop fast breathing Infants may vomit and become very weak There might be a drop in the body temperature of older people affected by pneumonia
Pneumonia can prove to be lethal, especially for the younger and older lot. Hence, it is necessary to treat it as soon as you notice its onset. Listed below are some of the best home remedies you can use to take care of pneumonia in its initial stages.
21 Best Home Remedies To Treat Pneumonia
How To Treat Pneumonia Naturally
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar 1 teaspoon of honey 1/2 glass of warm water
Do this once a day. Apple cider vinegar exhibits anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that can help combat the bacteria and viruses causing pneumonia (1), (2).
2. Garlic
3-4 cloves of garlic Do this once daily. Garlic is one of the best natural treatments for pneumonia. It contains a compound called allicin that exhibits antibacterial and antifungal properties that help fight the infection (3), (4). It also acts as an expectorant and clears the phlegm from your lungs and throat.
3. Vitamin C
A deficiency in vitamin C can increase your chances of being affected by pneumonia (5). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is known for its antioxidant properties, and it also enhances the antibacterial properties of other substances (6), (7). These properties make it helpful in dealing with pneumonia and its symptoms. You can increase your intake of vitamin C either via your daily diet or supplements. Foods such as citrus fruits, nuts, and leafy vegetables are rich sources of vitamin C. However, if you are planning to take additional supplements of vitamin C, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before doing so.
4. Essential Oils
1. Peppermint Oil
2-3 drops of peppermint oil 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (olive or almond oil)
You must do this once daily. Aromatherapy oils like peppermint oil exhibit antimicrobial and analgesici The property of a substance or drug to relieve pain without numbing the nerves or altering sensory perception. properties, which can help combat pneumonia (8). It is also a natural expectorant and can help in relieving congestion that often accompanies the infection, making it one of the best antibiotic alternatives you can use in treating pneumonia.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil A bowl of hot water
Do this once a day for immediate relief. Eucalyptus oil is derived from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree and is widely used for its medicinal properties. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antibacterial, and decongestant properties, all of which can be helpful in the treatment of pneumonia (9), (10). Therefore, if you have been wondering how to stop coughing, give eucalyptus oil a try. You may also use it for fever management and inflammation reduction.
5. Turmeric
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder 1 glass of hot milk, preferably almond, coconut or rice milk (please avoid dairy milk, like that of cows, as it can increase mucous production)
Do this at least once daily. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that exhibits anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can be effective against the bacteria causing pneumonia (11), (12). It also acts as a mucolytic, which means it helps to expel mucus and catarrh from the bronchial ducts, thus easing breathing.
6. Ginger
1-2 inches of ginger 1 cup of hot water Honey (optional) Lemon juice (optional)
Drink this 2-3 times daily. Ginger is another herb that can help treat pneumonia naturally. With its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, ginger is capable of fighting the infectious microbes that cause pneumonia (13), (14).
7. Vegetable Juices
Many vegetable juices are capable of increasing your immunity and accelerating your recovery from this contagious infection. Juices extracted from cucumber, spinach, carrots, and beetroots do not just improve your overall health but also combat the bacteria and viruses causing pneumonia (15).
8. Vicks Vapo Rub
Vicks VapoRub Rub a generous amount of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and back before you go to bed. Do this once daily. Vicks VapoRub contains camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus, all of which are effective in treating pneumonia. Studies have also proven that Vicks VapoRub exhibits decongestant properties, which can help relieve the symptoms of congestion that often surfaces with pneumonia (16).
9. Parsnip Juice
1/2 cup of parsnip juice Consume about half a cup of parsnip juice. Do this once daily. Parsnip has high vitamin content, which helps to increase your immunity against all diseases in general. The vitamin C content of parsnips makes it effective against various respiratory diseases, including pneumonia (17).
10. Holy Basil
3-4 basil leaves Chew on some basil leaves. You can do this 2-3 times every day. Herbs like holy basil exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help your body fight pneumonia (18).
11. Carrots
1 cup of chopped carrots Eat a cup of carrots. Do this 1-2 times every day. Carrots are a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can combat the microbes causing pneumonia (19), (20). The vitamins A and C in carrots improve your overall health and speed up your recovery.
12. Fenugreek Seeds
1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds 1 cup of hot water Honey (optional)
You must drink this tea 2 to 3 times daily. Fenugreek seeds are potential therapeutic agents for treating a variety of diseases (21). They exhibit some powerful anti-inflammatory properties, which can help relieve inflammation and other symptoms of pneumonia (22).
13. Sesame Seeds
1 tablespoon of sesame seeds 1 cup of water 1 teaspoon of honey A pinch of salt
Drink this solution once daily. Sesame seeds contain phytoestrogensi They are estrogen-like compounds present naturally in plants and have a similar chemical structure to the estrogen hormone. that exhibit strong antimicrobial properties and help in the treatment of pneumonia. These seeds also possess expectorant properties. Therefore, you can use them if you are looking for home remedies for chest congestion. They may also help relieve other symptoms of the infection (23), (24).
14. Honey
1 teaspoon of honey 1/4 glass of water
Do this several times every day till the symptoms subside. Honey is a blend of compounds that impart antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties to it (25), (26). The exceptional medicinal properties of honey have been exploited since ages to treat various ailments, including cough and cold, which are often the symptoms of pneumonia (27).
15. Camphor
2-3 drops of camphor oil 1 teaspoon of any carrier oil (jojoba or olive oil)
Do this every night before going to bed. The powerful antiseptic and decongestant properties of camphor oil can help relieve the symptoms of pneumonia (28). Keep this out of your child’s reach.
16. Oregano Oil
1-2 drops of oregano oil A cotton ball
You can do this on a regular basis. Oregano oil possesses antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, which make it effective in fighting pneumonia (29), (30). It also exhibits decongestant properties, which can be helpful in breaking up the phlegm and relieving cough and congestion.
17. Dandelion Tea
1-2 teaspoons of dandelion herb 1 cup of hot water Honey (optional)
Do this 3-4 times daily. Dandelion roots are widely used for their health benefits. Apart from being anti-inflammatory, they also exhibit antimicrobial properties, which can be effective against various microbes like bacteria, viruses, and fungi (31), (32). This makes herbal teas like dandelion tea quite helpful in the treatment of pneumonia. They also exhibit decongestant properties that can help relieve cough and other symptoms of pneumonia.
18. Apples
1 apple Water (optional)
Consume apples on a daily basis. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, which enhance your overall health and also help in treating and preventing pneumonia. The phytochemicals and flavonoidsi A group of polyphenolic compounds that have antioxidant properties and protect against diseases and cell damage. in apples have anti-inflammatory properties and can help in reducing inflammation in the lungs (33), (34).
19. Willow Bark
1-2 teaspoons of willow bark 1 cup of hot water Honey
You must drink this solution at least thrice every day. Willow barks contain polyphenolsi A family of naturally occurring micronutrients with antioxidant properties commonly found in fruits, teas, spices, and vegetables. and flavonoids that have antiseptic and fever-reducing properties (35). These compounds also improve your overall immunity. Hence, willow bark is a great option for treating pneumonia.
20. Steam Inhalation
A bowl of hot water A towel
You can do this 1-2 times daily. The hot steam from water can help relieve cough and congestion by breaking up the phlegm in your lungs. It is also antimicrobial and kills the microbes causing the infection (36). You may also add chamomile extract to the steam to relieve symptoms of common cold symptoms that may lead to pneumonia (37). However, more studies are warranted to support this claim.
21. Humidifiers
You Will Need
A humidifier Distilled water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Run it for 12 hours daily. Why This Works Using a humidifier can help ease the symptoms of pneumonia by creating moisture in the air. This can soothe the irritated airways and make it easier for the individual to breathe. Using a humidifier may also help improve breathing in individuals who exhibit viscous sputum (38).
Preventive Tips
When recovering from pneumonia, maintaining hydration is essential. Adequate intake of water thins mucus, allowing its removal and improving lung function. Drink clear broths, herbal teas, and eight to ten glasses of water per day. Quit smoking as it makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections. Wash your hands, especially before and after having your meals. Cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing to avoid spreading your infection. Follow a healthy diet rich in probiotics, vitamins, and minerals to fulfill your body’s nutrition and hydration needs. Practice breathing and relaxation techniques and exercises in fresh air and get ample rest to increase your immunity. There are also vaccinations available for pneumonia. Although these might not prevent pneumonia altogether, they will surely lower the risk of complications.
In addition to these prevention tips, it is important to be aware of the risk factors for pneumonia.
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.
How is pneumonia spread? Check out the infographic below to learn what to expect while recovering from pneumonia.Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team The microbes that cause pneumonia are spread by infected individuals via food, air, and water. How long does it take to recover from pneumonia? Pneumonia usually lasts anywhere between 1 to 3 weeks. What types of doctors treat pneumonia? A general physician or lung health specialist usually treats pneumonia. Does pneumonia cause a breathing problem? The microbes that cause pneumonia usually affect an individual’s lungs and air sacs. This leads to inflammation of the lungs, accompanied by a severe cold and cough, and breathing difficulties in some cases. What is the difference between pneumonia and bronchitis? In pneumonia, the lungs are inflamed and filled with fluid, whereas, in bronchitis, the air passages are inflamed. Is it dangerous to have pneumonia during pregnancy? Pneumonia, by itself, is a serious illness and can also have life-threatening consequences. Hence, it could prove to be quite dangerous during pregnancy and must be tried and avoided at all costs. Is pneumonia contagious? If pneumonia is caused by bacteria or viruses, it is contagious. However, pneumonia caused by fungi is not contagious. How is pneumonia diagnosed? Pneumonia can be diagnosed by your doctor with the help of a simple physical examination using a stethoscope. If your lungs make bubbling and rumbling noises when you inhale, it is a sign that you are infected with pneumonia. Which age group is most commonly affected by pneumonia? Pneumonia is more common among infants younger than 1 year and individuals older than 65 years of age. Is walking good for pneumonia? Yes. Walking keeps the lungs healthy and may help prevent pneumonia. Studies indicate that walking may reduce pneumonia-related mortality in older adults (39).
Illustration: Home Remedies To Treat Pneumonia And Preventive Tips
Treat the onset of pneumonia at home. Get relief from coughing, chest pain, and fever by learning 3 simple home remedies. Watch this video now to ease the symptoms!
