Treatments & Home Remedies for Pneumonia, Types, Symptoms & Causes

Problems like sneezing, coughing, sore throat and high fever with changing weather can be symptoms of pneumonia. If pneumonia is not treated on time, then this infectious disease can also be fatal. If someone in the house has pneumonia, then there is a need to be more careful, because this disease can spread quickly due to infection. In this article, understand what are the causes of pneumonia and how are the home remedies for pneumonia.

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First of all, we are giving information about what is pneumonia.

What Is Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause serious illness in people of all ages. Pneumonia can usually be caused by many reasons like bacteria, virus and fungus. Due to pneumonia, there are many problems like swelling in the lungs, filling of pus and shortness of breath. Also, it can be dangerous for children under the age of two and for people over the age of 65.

Below is the main information.

Let us now know the different types of pneumonia.

Types of Pneumonia

There are many types of pneumonia, but here we are telling about some of its special types.

1. Bacterial Pneumonia: The pneumonia that spreads through bacteria. Due to this the body becomes weak and then due to weak immunity, bacteria cause infection in the lungs. This disease can be caused by poor nutrition, old age or poor immunity. Bacterial pneumonia can affect all ages.
2. Viral Pneumonia: Viral pneumonia can be caused by many viruses including flu. It is mainly a disease found in the young, the elderly and those suffering from influenza. Influenza-A and B viruses are the main cause of pneumonia in adults and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of viral pneumonia in infants. If someone has viral pneumonia, they are more likely to get bacterial pneumonia.
3. Mycoplasma Pneumoniae: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of ‘atypical’ bacteria that usually causes mild infections of the respiratory tract. These bacteria can cause a condition called tracheobronchitis, commonly known as chest cold, in children. Symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumoniae often include fatigue, sore throat, fever, and cough. Sometimes Mycoplasma pneumoniae can also cause serious lung infection.
4. Fungal Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a type of disease caused by infected mold and fungus, which lives in the soil. People can become infected by coming in contact with infected fungi. It can cause flu-like symptoms lasting weeks to months. Its symptoms are similar to those of other common diseases such as fever, cough, headache, rash, muscle aches or joint pain, so treatment is often delayed.

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Now that you are familiar with the types of pneumonia, it is much easier to understand its causes.

Cause of Pneumonia

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. Apart from this, let us know what other reasons can be there for pneumonia.

1. Human metapneumovirus (HMPV): It can cause respiratory diseases in people of all ages. The risk of infection remains high in young children, adults and those with a weak immune system.
2. Human parainfluenza virus (HPIV): usually causes respiratory diseases in newborns, young children, adults and those with weakened immune systems, but can infect anyone. When infected, its symptoms appear only after 2 to 7 days.
3. Influenza (Flu): This problem is caused by influenza virus. The serious consequences of flu can also come in the form of death. Influenza can infect the elderly, young children and people with physical problems.
4. Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever: This is a severe form of pneumonia caused by a bacteria called Legionella. People can become infected with this severe pneumonia when they breathe in the mist or accidentally drink water infected with Legionella.
5. Mycoplasma pneumonia: Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause pneumonia by damaging the surface of the respiratory system (throat, lungs, wind pipe).
6. Pneumococcal disease: Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, also known as pneumococcus. Pneumococcus can cause a variety of diseases, including ear infections, brain and spinal cord infections. Vaccines are given to prevent pneumococcal disease in children and adults.
7. Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP): Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious infection caused by a fungus called Pneumocystis jiroveci. Because of this, the immunity decreases and you can get sick from many types of bacterial infections.
8. Respiratory syncytial virus: Respiratory syncytial virus is a common respiratory virus, which usually causes cold-like symptoms. Most people recover within a week or two, but it can be serious for babies and adults.
9. Rhinovirus: Rhinovirus can work to increase asthma and can also cause sinus and ear infections.

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After knowing the causes of pneumonia, let us know the symptoms of pneumonia.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

After the cause of pneumonia, now let us know what are the symptoms of pneumonia. Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe.

• High fever with chills
• Whooping cough with prolonged phlegm
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Sudden worsening of well-being after a cold or flu

Now there is more information.

Let us understand further how home remedies for pneumonia are done.

Home Remedies for Pneumonia

Know the exact home remedies to treat pneumonia after the causes and symptoms of pneumonia.

• Turmeric

Material :

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• A glass of hot milk

How to use :

• Mix turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk.
• Then consume this milk slowly.
• Drink turmeric milk daily before sleeping.

How does this work :

Turmeric can play an important role in the Ayurvedic treatment of pneumonia. Actually, turmeric is rich in a special element called curcumin. It is considered effective for lung infections caused by pneumonia due to its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antibiotic properties.

• Ginger

Material :

• 2-3 small pieces of ginger
• A cup of hot water
• Honey (optional)

How to use :

• Mix ginger in a cup of hot water and let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
• You can add honey to it for taste.
• Now consume this drink slowly.
• This remedy can be done two to three times a day.

How does this work :

Ginger is also a home remedy for pneumonia. According to a scientific research, ginger extract can reduce the effect of pneumonia. This can make it easier to treat pneumonia. Also, it can relax the muscles by smoothing the airways. This can provide relief from respiratory symptoms in case of pneumonia.

• Fenugreek Seeds

Material :

• One teaspoon fenugreek seeds
• A cup of water
• Honey (optional)

How to use :

• Boil fenugreek seeds in a cup of water for 10 minutes.
• After this add honey to taste.
• Now consume this drink like tea.
• This tea can be taken two or three times a day.

How does this work :

An important role of fenugreek seeds can be seen in treating pneumonia. Actually, fenugreek as a powerful antioxidant can work effectively on pneumonia symptoms like cold, cough, shortness of breath, bronchial and sore throat.

• Sesame Seeds

Material :

• Sesame seeds, one tablespoon
• A cup of water
• A spoonful of honey
• A pinch of salt

How to use :

• Take water in a utensil, put sesame seeds in it and boil it for 5 minutes.
• After this add salt and honey.
• Consume this drink before it cools down.
• Consume it once a day everyday.

How does this work :

Sesame seeds can be used to treat pneumonia. According to a research, sesame seeds can protect against the risk of pneumonia. In fact, it contains a good amount of magnesium, which can improve respiratory health. On this basis, it can be said that sesame can provide relief in case of pneumonia.

• Tulsi

Material :

• Few basil leaves

How to use :

• Wash and chew basil leaves.
• Can use it two or three times daily.

How does this work :

The use of basil can prove to be a home remedy for pneumonia. In the scientific study done in this regard, it has been given that Tulsi has antimicrobial effect, which can destroy the bacteria that cause pneumonia. This can provide relief from pneumonia.

• Black pepper

Material :

• Pinch of black pepper

• A cup of hot water
• Little lemon juice

How to use :

• Add black pepper to the water.
• Mix some lemon drops with it well.
• Consume it after getting it.
• It can be consumed two to three times a day.

How does this work :

• Black pepper can prove to be helpful in the treatment of pneumonia. According to a scientific research, black pepper acts like anti-aspiration drugs, which can have a positive effect on pneumonia.

Vegetable Juice

Vegetable juices are considered important in the Ayurvedic treatment of pneumonia. Actually, many vegetables contain Vitamin-A and according to a scientific research, this nutrient can protect against infections like pneumonia. Tomato, carrot, broccoli, spinach etc. can be consumed after making juice to supply vitamin-A in the body.

• Vitamin-C

Vitamin-C is considered effective for the treatment of pneumonia. It is an antioxidant, which can show an effective effect in curing pneumonia. To supply vitamin C in the body, you can consume foods or supplements containing vitamin C. However, be sure to consult a doctor before taking vitamin C supplements for pneumonia.

• Honey

Material :

• A spoonful of honey
• Half cup lukewarm water

How to use :

• Mix one spoon of honey in water.
• Consume this solution.
• It can be consumed daily.

How does this work :

It is said that Ayurvedic treatment of pneumonia can also be done with honey. This has also been confirmed in a medical research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). According to research, honey has antibacterial properties, which can reduce the symptoms of pneumonia by providing relief from bacteria called Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

• Oregano oil

Material :

• 1-2 drops of oregano oil
• Cotton ball

How to use :

• Put a few drops of oregano oil on a cotton ball.
• Place it next to your bed before sleeping.
• You can use this every night.

How does this work :

Oregano oil can be a home remedy for pneumonia. According to a scientific study, oregano oil has antibacterial properties. With its help, you can get relief from the bacteria that cause pneumonia. On this basis, oregano oil is considered good for pneumonia.

• Garlic

Material :

• 3-4 cloves of garlic

How to use :

• You can chew garlic cloves or add them to your diet.
• Make a paste of garlic buds and apply it on your chest.
• You can do this once a day.

How does this work :

Garlic can be a home remedy for pneumonia. Actually, the extract prepared by adding water to garlic has antibacterial effect. It can destroy the bacteria responsible for pneumonia infection. In this way, garlic can play an important role in providing relief from pneumonia.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

Material :

• One tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• A spoonful of honey
• Half a glass of lukewarm water

How to use :

• Mix apple cider vinegar and half a teaspoon of honey well in lukewarm water.
• Consume this solution after mixing it well.
• This treatment can be continued for a few days.

How does this work :

As we mentioned above, pneumonia can also be caused by bacteria. Apple vinegar can be used for its treatment. Actually, it is enriched with anti-bacterial properties. This property reduces the problem of bacteria. On this basis, apple vinegar is also considered good for pneumonia.

• Essential Oil

(a) Mint oil

Material :

• 2-3 drops of peppermint oil
• 1 tablespoon olive or almond oil

How to use :

• Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with olive or almond oil.
• Apply this mixture on your chest and back.
• Do apply it at least once a day.

How does it work :

Mint oil can prove to be effective in pneumonia treatment. According to a medical research, peppermint has antibacterial properties, which can reduce the risk of bacterial infections. This can reduce the symptoms of pneumonia.

(b) Eucalyptus oil

Material :

4-5 drops of eucalyptus oil
hot water in a pot

How to use :

• Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to warm water.
• Now slowly inhale the steam for a few minutes.
• Can be used daily.

How does it work :

Pneumonia can be relieved by using eucalyptus oil. Actually, eucalyptus oil also has antibacterial ability. This can help in the treatment of pneumonia.

• Vicks VapoRub

Material:

• Vicks VapoRub

How to use :

• Apply Vicks VapoRub to your chest and back before going to bed.
• Do this remedy daily before sleeping.

How does it work :

Vicks VapoRub can be effective in treating pneumonia. Studies have proven that Vicks VapoRub works effectively on upper respiratory infections. It can also have a positive effect on pneumonia. However, more research is still needed on this topic.

• Dandelion Tea

Material :

• 1 teaspoon dandelion root
• A cup of water
• Honey (optional)

How to use :

• Add dandelion root to a cup of water.
• Let it boil for 5 to 10 minutes.
• After boiling add honey to it.
• Now consume dandelion tea.
• You can drink it twice a day anytime.

How does it work :

Dandelion tea can be used for pneumonia. According to information published on the NCBI website, dandelion can be used as a traditional medicine for many problems, including pneumonia. It can also enhance the immune response and ward off upper respiratory tract infections. This can improve pneumonia to some extent.

• Apple

Material :

• One Apple

How to use :

• You can eat apple directly in breakfast.
• Apart from this, you can also consume apple juice after extracting it.
• Drink it daily anytime.

How does it work :

Apple can play an important role in the treatment of pneumonia. Actually, apple is rich in vitamin-C, which can act as an antibacterial property. This can reduce the problem of pneumonia.

• Willow Bark

Material :

• 1 teaspoon willow bark
• A cup of water
• A spoonful of honey

How to use :

• Boil willow bark in a cup of water.
• After boiling, filter the solution and add honey to it.
• Consume it before it cools down.
• This solution should be drunk at least twice every day.

How does it work :

Willow bark has antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. These compounds improve the overall immune system. For this reason, willow bark is a great option for treating pneumonia.

• Carrot

Material :

• 1 Cup chopped carrots

How to use :

• Eat chopped carrots.
• You can consume it three to four times every day.

How does it work :

The benefits of carrots can also be seen for pneumonia. A medical research published in this regard has given that carrots have probiotic effect, which can prove to be effective in combating pneumonia bacteria. This can provide relief from the problem of pneumonia.

• Camphor

Material :

• 2-3 drops of camphor oil
• One teaspoon olive oil

How to use :

Mix about three drops of camphor oil in one teaspoon of olive oil.
Rub this mixture lightly on your chest and back.
Can use it every night before sleeping.

How does it work :

Ayurvedic treatment of pneumonia can also be done with camphor. According to a research published on the NCBI website, camphor oil has powerful antibacterial properties. It can provide relief from the symptoms of pneumonia. Keep in mind that keep it away from the reach of children.

• Parsnip juice

Material :

• ½ cup parsnip juice

How to use :

• Consume parsnip juice.
• It can be consumed once a day.

How does it work :

Parsnips contain a variety of vitamins, which help in boosting the immune system against all diseases in general. In particular, parsnips contain vitamin C. We have already told that along with increasing immunity, Vitamin-C can be effective against many types of diseases like pneumonia.

• Bleach Bath

Material :

• ½ cup bleach powder
• A tub of lukewarm water

How to use :

• Take a tub of water or fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.
• Now add half a cup of bleach powder to it and mix it well.
• Then lie down in that bathtub for some time or take a bath with tub water.
• Bleach bath can be taken daily.

How does it work :

Taking bleach bath can be beneficial in case of pneumonia. Actually, the main cause of pneumonia is bacteria. At the same time, bleach bath has anti-microbial properties, which can prevent the spread of pneumonia infection by killing harmful bacteria. Also reduces the risk of inflammation.

• Steam

Material :

• A pot of hot water
• Towel

How to use :

• Take hot water in a vessel and bow your head over it.
• Cover your head with a towel and inhale the hot steam.
• Essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can also be added to this hot water.
• This remedy can be done 1-2 times daily.

How does it work :

Taking steam can reduce the problem of pneumonia. In fact, it can provide relief from lower respiratory tract infections, which can also help improve the condition of pneumonia.

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Next, we are telling how to treat pneumonia.

Treatment of Pneumonia

The treatment of pneumonia depends on the type of pneumonia. Instead of thinking that pneumonia will be treated at home, consult a doctor and get accurate pneumonia treatment done.

• Bacterial Pneumonia: Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics prescribed by the doctor. Most people may start to feel better before the medication wears off, yet the dosage should be continued.

It is reported that stopping the medicine prematurely can lead to a return of pneumonia. Medicines should be stopped only on the advice of the doctor. Most people get better from the cough and fever within one to three days of antibiotic treatment and begin to feel better.

• Viral Pneumonia: If someone has viral pneumonia, the doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine to treat it. Viral pneumonia usually improves in one to three weeks.

Pneumonia treatment of those with severe symptoms is possible only in the hospital. Hospitalization may also be required for this. For this reason, when the symptoms of pneumonia appear, it should be treated immediately, otherwise serious consequences can be seen.

• Mycoplasma Pneumoniae: Antibiotics are used in the treatment of this type of pneumonia. Doctors can prescribe different types of antibiotics for children and young people at this time. In this case, do not use antibiotics without doctor’s advice.

• Fungal Pneumonia: In the treatment of this type of pneumonia, doctors mainly give anti-fungal medicines, because fungi are responsible behind this type of pneumonia.

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Come, now let us know what should be eaten and what should be avoided in pneumonia.

Diet for Pneumonia – What to eat & What not to eat

In case of pneumonia, giving a place to a diet rich in vitamin-C in the diet can prove to be beneficial. This may include some of these foods.

What should we eat :

• Cantaloupe, oranges, grapes, kiwi fruit, mango and papaya can be eaten.
• Consume pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, cranberry and watermelon.
• Herbal teas, soups and broths can also be taken, which are rich in Vitamin-C. They also have antioxidant and antibiotic properties, which can relieve pneumonia.

What not to eat :

All of these substances can cause respiratory infections and show negative results during pneumonia.

• Cold cuts
• More salt
• Milk products
• Fried foods
• Carbonated cold water
• Acidic foods and drinks

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Know further, what are the risk factors of pneumonia disease.

Pneumonia Risk factors

Pneumonia spreads rapidly among people of certain age groups and those undergoing certain conditions. Let us have a look at the risk factors of pneumonia.

• People with weak immunity.
• Excessive consumption of cigarettes and alcohol.
• The risk of pneumonia is also high in those who use the wrong medicines.
• Less than two years and 65 years or older.
• Exposure to chemicals, pollution or toxic fumes.

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Let us now know what measures can be taken to prevent pneumonia.

Prevention Tips for Pneumonia

It is important to know about prevention of pneumonia. Neimania can be avoided by following some simple methods.

• Quit smoking, as it makes you more susceptible to respiratory infections.
• Wash your hands before and after eating.
• Cover your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing to prevent the spread of infection.
• To improve the immune system, eat a healthy diet and get enough rest.

Vaccines are also available for pneumonia, but they do not prevent pneumonia completely. These can definitely be helpful in reducing the risk. Vaccines related to these diseases can be given for pneumonia.

• Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
• Influenza (flu)
• Measles
• Pertussis (whooping cough)
• Pneumococcal
• Varicella (chickenpox)

Below is more information.

Now let us know about some important tips related to the prevention of pneumonia.

Some more important tips for pneumonia –

If someone has pneumonia, they can follow some important tips to recover from the infection and prevent complications, such as:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Take all the medicines prescribed by the doctor.
• Continue using antibiotics until the pneumonia is completely gone. Discontinuing the medicine midway may result in a return of pneumonia.
• Recovering from pneumonia can take time. Therefore, talk to your doctor about when you can resume your normal routine.
• If someone has pneumonia, limit contact with family and friends.
• Cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing. Remove used clothing immediately and wash your hands.

Pneumonia is such an infection, which if not treated on time, can be fatal. For this reason, always be aware of physical problems and take care of yourself. Also, stay away from contact with people as much as possible in this situation. Do share this information related to pneumonia and ways to avoid it with your friends.

Frequently Asked Questions :