Pneumonia
Definition:
Pneumonia: Inflammation of one or both lungs, with dense areas of lung inflammation. Pneumonia is frequently but not always due to infection. The infection may be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. Symptoms may include fever, chills, cough with sputum production, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is suggested by the symptoms and confirmed by chest X-ray testing. Treatment includes antibiotics.
Signs & Symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.
Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
Chest pain when you breathe or cough
Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)
Cough, which may produce phlegm
Fatigue
Fever, sweating and shaking chills
Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating.
Cause:
Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good.
Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection.
Community-acquired pneumonia
Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. It may be caused by:
Bacteria. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia can occur on its own or after you’ve had a cold or the flu. It may affect one part (lobe) of the lung, a condition called lobar pneumonia.
Bacteria-like organisms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause pneumonia. It typically produces milder symptoms than do other types of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is an informal name given to this type of pneumonia, which typically isn’t severe enough to require bed rest.
Fungi. This type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, and in people who have inhaled large doses of the organisms. The fungi that cause it can be found in soil or bird droppings and vary depending upon geographic location.
Viruses. Some of the viruses that cause colds and the flu can cause pneumonia. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years. Viral pneumonia is usually mild. But in some cases it can become very serious.
How To Cure:
- Garlic
Garlic has antimicrobial properties that fight off bacteria, viruses and fungi. It also helps bring down the body temperature and increases expectoration to clear phlegm out of the chest and lungs.
Mix one cup of milk in four cups of water and add one-half teaspoon of crushed garlic to it. Boil the solution until it reduces to one-fourth of the original amount. Drink it three times a day.
Another way to use garlic is to marinate crushed garlic cloves in a mixture of equal amounts of fresh lemon juice and honey. Take two to three teaspoons of this, three or four times a day.
You can also rub a garlic paste or garlic juice on your chest.
If you do no like the strong taste and smell of garlic, you can drink ginger tea for relief.
- Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper has high capsaicin content that stimulates the release of mucous from the respiratory passages. Thus, it helps clear the mucus from the respiratory system. Cayenne pepper is also a good source of beta-carotene, which helps in the healthy development of mucus membranes.
Mix some lemon juice and a dash of cayenne pepper in an eight-ounce glass of water. Drink it a few times a day.
You can also mix cayenne pepper in a cup of carrot juice. Both are beneficial for treating pneumonia.
- Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek has mucolytic properties, that is, it helps break up congestion. Furthermore, it induces sweating which reduces fever and helps remove toxins from the body.
Make fenugreek tea by boiling one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in 500 ml or about two cups of water. Strain and drink four cups of fenugreek tea a day. To improve its taste, you can add a little lemon juice. Reduce the amount you drink as you feel better.
Prepare an herbal tea by steeping one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds, one teaspoon of ginger, one crushed garlic clove, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a cup of hot water for about five minutes. Strain it and squeeze the juice from half a lemon into it. You can also add a little honey. Drink this tea a few times throughout the day.
