Kindly suggest some home remedies for lung infection?

The lungs are a vital part of the respiratory system and are absolutely essential for inhalation and exhalation of air in the human body. The process of breathing enriches the quality and the flow of blood, enhancing the manner in which all the bodily organs function. There are millions of air sacs that have thin walls, along with specialized cells, in the lungs, which carry out the function of transmitting blood all over the body.

However, since the lungs are naturally filled with moisture, they are susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. When the viruses and bacteria get inhaled, they thrive on the moist environment in the lungs, if the body's immune system is not strong enough to combat the initial contact. When a person suffers from lung infections, several other organs and parts of the body are affected, because transportation of oxygen through the blood stream is not proper. Moreover, bacterial lung infections also interfere with the body's ability to release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Therefore, bacterial lung infections eventually have an adverse effect on the functioning and the capacity of the lungs.

Some of the main causes of lung infections or respiratory diseases are pleurisy, pneumonia, cough, common cold, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. At times, people could suffer from bacterial lung infections, due to environmental or even occupational factors, which include long term exposure to toxins and air pollutants. Bacterial lung infection symptoms may vary, depending on the type of infection, as well as its severity. Some of the most common bacterial lung infection symptoms are shortness in breath, loss in appetite, cough that may be with or without sputum, fever, weight loss, discomfort while breathing, somnolence, pain in the chest and wheezing problems. More severe bacterial lung infection symptoms could include weakness, diarrhea, nausea, headaches and pain in the abdomen. In case any of the bacterial lung infection symptoms are noticed in a person, it is important to consult a doctor immediately, for lung infection cures.

The first step on how to cure a lung infection would include confirming the condition and the cause. After confirming the presence of lung infections with the help of an x-ray or a blood test, a doctor may begin treatment, immediately. The patient's overall health, medical history and the severity of the infection, all play a very important role in the treatment options used by the doctor. Some of the common medications, that most doctors use, include corticosteroids, bronchodilators and various antibiotics. In some rare, but extreme cases, surgery, surfactant replacement therapy, physiotherapy and immune suppressants may also be used. Based on the state of the lungs, a doctor may advise the patient to undergo a lung volume reduction surgery, a lobectomy, a transplant or a pneumonectomy. Certain natural remedies for lung infection, such as exercising and following a well balanced diet plan are also generally recommended by most health experts.

Although there are several medical lung infection cures that can easily be administered by a doctor, most patients prefer using natural remedies for lung infection too. This is because the home remedies for lung infection are not only cheaper but are also believed to have fewer side effects, as compared to commercial products. Some of the natural treatment for lung infection options can also be used as a supplement to the medical treatment procedure. Therefore, when seeking ways on how to treat lung infections naturally you may find the list given below very helpful.

• Humidifiers: Warm or cool mist humidifiers add moisture to the air and eliminate the sputum from the body, when the patient coughs. Taking a hot steam for a few minutes or standing in a steamy shower can also have the same effect of moistening the air, which allows the sputum to loosen and leave the body sooner. In order to enhance the effect of this home remedy for lung infection, a few drops of eucalyptus oil or peppermint essential oil can be added to the misting water.
• Warm Liquids: The high consumption of water, especially warm water, is one of the most effective natural remedies for lung infection. It makes the sputum easier to eliminate. Apart from water, other liquids that can be equally effective are hot soup and herbal teas.
• Licorice: The roots of licorice should be chewed on, for a few hours, in order to increase the immunity in the body, which can help fight off the bacterial lung infection.
• Garlic: This ingredient is used in the natural treatment for lung infection, as well as many other conditions. This is probably because garlic contains antibacterial properties, which works wonders against bacterial lung infections. One clove of garlic should be crushed or mashed roughly, and swallowed, along with a glass of water, especially before bed time.
• Spices: There are many spices that could help the body in fighting off lung infections faster. A mixture made from cloves, ginger powder and pepper powder should be consumed everyday, as a natural cure for lung infection. Another lung infection natural remedy, made from herbs and spices, is a mixture made by boiling equal amounts of basil leaves, black pepper and ginger, in 50ml of water. The water needs to boil, till it reduces to half its size, before it can be consumed.
• Diet: Following a healthy and nutritious diet on a daily basis, is very important for improving the immunity in the body. A diet that provides the body with the essential Vitamins, (like Vitamins A, B complex, C and E) can help the body fight off various diseases and infections. In order to make up for the lack of vitamins in a diet, there are some people who take a multivitamin tablet on the daily basis. However, a doctor should be consulted, for the recommended daily doses, before a multivitamin supplement is added to a diet.

In addition to using any natural remedies for lung infection, it is important to follow the right steps to prevent the problem from occurring. This can be done by keeping the environment free of dampness, dust, smoke and other allergens. Those in the habit of smoking should stop doing so completely, as it increases the risks of lung problems and declines lung function simultaneously. There are several exercises and yoga poses too, which can be considered as natural treatment for lung infection. While most of the natural remedies for lung infection are quite effective and relatively safe to use, it is important to consult a doctor before using any of them. Moreover, it is important to remember that home remedies for lung infection help reduce the symptoms, but in order to treat the underlying cause, a doctor needs to be consulted, for medical lung infection cures.

answered by G M

Bacterial lung infection is usually medically known as pneumonia. The first thing that you must know is that it is totally inadvisable to treat this at home. A mild infection can be taken care of by using methods at home. But if you have been properly and fully diagnosed with pneumonia, then there is no way you will be able to cure this using home remedies alone. A proper course of medication, including strong medicines such as antibiotics and so on would be required to treat you effectively and fully. It is best that you consult with a doctor and get a proper diagnosis and treat yourself accordingly. If left to its own devices, the problem may just aggravate beyond help. Keep in mind that pneumonia can also require hospitalization. Since pneumonia is more or less a result of weakened lungs caused by excessive bacteria present in them, you should also try to tackle the problem accordingly. Lungs and the airways going into and coming out of lungs are affected with bacterial infections.

The first thing you need to do is make it a point that you keep your innards warm. This will be of maximum help to fight your condition. Drink tea made with spices for this purpose. You can have a cup of tea made with 4 cloves, cardamoms, peppercorns, a half inch piece of ginger and cinnamon, a tablespoon of fenugreek seeds and 3 cloves of garlic. Add to two cups of water and boil till it halves. This should be had comfortably hot and about thrice a day for best results. Garlic is one of the best things to use for a bacterial infection of any kind. Swallow a garlic clove that has been roughly smashed with hot water each night for good results. It is also important that you keep your body warm when you have a bacterial lung infection. This will also help to break your fever if you have any. You should also try as far as possible to stay in a sanitized environment. This means you should stay away from pollutants like dust and dander. It is also inadvisable to go out where you may encounter more pollution. It is advisable to maintain conditions of great hygiene when suffering from a bacterial infection of the lung. Wear clean clothes and make sure your bedding is changed every two or three days. These small measures will help to bring big relief and will also help to heal faster.

answered by G M