Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria and other pathogens. Bacterial pneumonia is the most common form. However, this is sometimes caused by virus. Symptoms of pneumonia include painful chest and lungs, inflammation, severe flu and cold, fever, breathing difficulties, swollen glands and the symptoms may range from mild to severe. Pneumonia lasts for 1 month and progresses for an year. Antibiotics are used for treating pneumonia. In case of viral pneumonia, disease do not respond to antibiotics. Several natural and herbal remedies are available for curing pneumonia. A three month course is recommended for pneumonia. In United States, nearly 2 million people are affected with pneumonia every year.
How to Treat Pneumonia?
Following instructions can be followed for treating pneumonia.
- Consult a doctor, if you are suffering from high fever accompanied with cough which brings colored sputum and also breathing problems.
- Take either intravenous or oral anti pneumonia medications.
- Drink more fluids as this aids immune system. This also helps in loosening the lung congestion.
- Sleep for at least 8 hours if you have pneumonia. If possible take midday catnap too.
- For relieving pain use analgesics. Chest muscles become sore from coughing and also difficulty in breathing. Ask doctor to prescribe appropriate analgesic. Doctor prescribes codeine for severe pneumonia. Codeine suppresses cough.
- Cough and breath deeply as this expands lungs and helps in faster healing. Try taking deep breaths through mouth and holding air for 5 – 10 seconds and exhale forcefully.
- Take expectorant such as guaifenesin, to bring out sputum. However, there are no evidences to show that expectorants speed up the recovery.
- Drink 12 – 14 ounces of apple or cranberry juice during breakfast. This adds antioxidants to the immune system. Do not have any solid foods in breakfast other than a small bowl of kefir or yogurt.
