Pneumonia is respiratory condition that most of us are familiar with, but know little about. Pneumonia is a condition in which the lungs are afflicted with inflammation, often caused by infection. This results in an impaired process of respiration, with an obstruction to the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide. Pneumonia is a very serious health condition, as the reduction in the supply of oxygen to the tissues and organs can even be fatal. With the advances in modern medicine the effectiveness of treatment is considerable and most people recover completely. The condition is still a common cause of death, but this is only when it occurs as a result of, or in combination with other complications.
The inflammation of the lung tissue may occur in just one or both lungs, and could be the result of infection with various micro-organisms, like bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitical. Bacterial infections are the most common cause of pneumonia and in such a scenario, antibiotics can be extremely effective. Treatment with home remedies for pneumonia can help to the extent that they may provide relief from the symptoms and can also help to strengthen immunity, hastening your recovery. Infections however, are not the only possible causes of pneumonia and in some cases the inhalation of toxic smoke or corrosive chemicals. In rare cases, the condition may develop as a result of exposure to some allergen.
Although not as common or nearly as fatal as it once was, pneumonia is still rather common and is often a cause of death among those over the age of 70. Of all those afflicted with pneumonia however, only 0.5% are likely to succumb to the condition.
Home remedies for pneumonia are highly sought after, but the truth s that there is no effective home treatment for pneumonia that can cure the condition. Lifestyle modifications and self care are important as they can help facilitate recovery, but there is no substitute for medical treatment. As most cases of pneumonia are caused by bacterial infection, treatment with antibiotics like penicillin is necessary. Pneumonia home cures dont really help cure the condition, but they can help to counter the side effects of medications that may be prescribed to treat the condition, and they can also help to boost your immunity and facilitate healing. Treating pneumonia at home also involves the use of natural methods to provide relief from the symptoms. Most natural approaches to treatment of pneumonia, including diet modifications focus on immunity boosting, as pneumonia tends to occur most often when immunity is low. This is why the condition is most prevalent among the aged and among those who are already afflicted with an illness that weakens immunity.
Symptoms of pneumonia can often be confusing and it can be impossible to diagnose the condition conclusively at home. For this reason if you notice any of the warning signs or have any reason to suspect pneumonia, make it a point to consult with your doctor for an accurate medical diagnosis immediately. The symptoms of pneumonia can vary depending on the cause, and they can also be very subtle or go unnoticed in older individuals. Typically, the symptoms of pneumonia closely resemble those of a flu, starting with a cough and fever. This is why the condition often goes unrecognized until in a more advanced stage. The most common signs of pneumonia include the following:
In addition to these symptoms, you may also notice:
If the infection is towards the lower lungs, patients may not experience breathing problems, but could suffer abdominal pain and vomiting. In children, bacterial pneumonia usually causes all of the symptoms and their onset is quite rapid. In viral infections, the onset of symptoms is a lot more gradual and less severe.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause of pneumonia, but it can be caused by other types of infections, allergic reactions or chemical exposure as well.
The risking of catching an infectious pneumonia depends on your age and physical health, the state of your immune system and the level of exposure, and also depends on the specific bacteria, virus, or fungus you were exposed to. Although it is a very common belief, the idea that pneumonia can be caused from venturing out into the cold or rain with inadequate protection is a misconception.
There is no specific pneumonia diet as there are no real dietary causes or foods that help cure pneumonia. Your diet is important however, as it does have a direct effect on your general health and the functioning of your immune system. Following a healthy diet is important as this will help to boost your immunity, better enabling your body to fight off the infection naturally.
In addition to medical treatment and home remedies there are some points that you need to keep in mind when afflicted with pneumonia:
During my recent bout with Walking Pneumonia, I discovered a way to help you from coughing. Take a sip of water and suck on it, move it from side to side. This saved me from alot of pain.
I got over a long bout of pneumonia and also use it for the first signs of a cold, flu or bronchitis or can be used to prevent. A quarter teaspoon of Arm and Hammer baking soda (generic brand didnt work as well) in a half cup of warm water a couple times a day. Read it in an old book and talked to other people that have tried it. It works!
Silver Needle white tea, the loose leaves have been shown effective in treating pneumonial. I have been using it and have found it to be fabulous. It tastes nice too.
Stabilized oxygen increases the oxygen content of water by adding drops to a glass of drinking water. I find it helps tremendously with any respiratory problem.