|
Pneumonia
This is the
inflammation of the substance of the lungs.
What to look for
cough
- either with phlegm or without it.
fever (with pain on
coughing or taking a deep breath occasionally)
Loss of appetite and
weight
In children, laboured and
rapid breathing, sudden onset of fever, cough, wheezing, and bluish skin are general signs
of pneumonia.
Pneumonia is the relatively
common inflammation caused by various viral, bacterial, and fungal infections.
In response, the lungs
become congested with fluids and cells that leak from the affected tissue. There are
generally three types :-
Lobar Pneumonia -
if the inflammation is limited to one lobe of one lung; -
if the inflammation is limited to one lobe of one lung;
Bronchopneumonia -
inflammation spreading from the bronchi to other parts of one or both lungs. -
inflammation spreading from the bronchi to other parts of one or both lungs.
Double Pneumonia -
if both lungs are inflamed. -
if both lungs are inflamed.
It usually lasts about 2 to
3 weeks, however you may feel fatigued for quite a few weeks after the condition has
cleared.
Viral pneumonia is
generally mild while bacterial pneumonia’s are more complex and serious.
Pneumonia is a common
complication of many illnesses, and like the common cold and flu,
can be transmitted from one person to another.
|
|
Causes
Viruses and bacteria
normally cause this disease.
Pneumonia can be mild and
treatable at home or you may need to be hospitalised, therefore it is vital that a doctor
diagnose the condition.
Traditional Treatment
It is imperative that the
patient recover quickly as problems can occur if the disease remains for too long. All
treatments include bed rest and ridding the body of any infections and phlegm in the
lungs.
If you have a mild case of
viral pneumonia, you can probably recover at home after getting a diagnosis from your
doctor.
If you have bacterial
pneumonia, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
If you are diagnosed as
having pneumonia, various alternative therapies may help ease your symptoms and hasten
your recovery.
Aromatherapy - Recovery
from pneumonia may be helped if you add the essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), lavender
(Lavandula officinalis), tea tree (Melaleuca spp.), or pine to a
vapouriser or blend in a carrier oil for massage purposes. Recovery
from pneumonia may be helped if you add the essential oils of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), lavender (Lavandula officinalis), tea tree (Melaleuca spp.), or pine to a
vapouriser or blend in a carrier oil for massage purposes.
See the Aromatherapy section for more
information on the essential oils. Not all people can use all the oils.
Herbal Therapies
- Since clearing the lungs of phlegm is an important part of the healing
process, using traditional herbal expectorants to promote coughing can aid recovery.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) bark, coltsfoot
(Tussilago farfara), lobelia (Lobelia inflata), and horehound (Marrubium vulgare) are good
herbs to use for this purpose - See Our
Herbal Section for more information on these and other herbs. You will need to
see a Professional for specific dosages and preparations. Since clearing the lungs of phlegm is an important part of the healing
process, using traditional herbal expectorants to promote coughing can aid recovery.
Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), wild black cherry (Prunus serotina) bark, coltsfoot
(Tussilago farfara), lobelia (Lobelia inflata), and horehound (Marrubium
vulgare) are good
herbs to use for this purpose - See Our
Herbal Section for more information on these and other herbs. You will need to
see a Professional for specific dosages and preparations.
Eating raw garlic (Allium sativum) or three garlic capsules three
times a day is said to help your body fight infection. Echinacea
(Echinacea spp.) may help you recover from infection:
Homoeopathy - Some
recommended over-the-counter homoeopathic remedies are Bryonia,
Phosphorus, and Arsenicum album; follow label directions. Some
recommended over-the-counter homoeopathic remedies are Bryonia,
Phosphorus, and Arsenicum album; follow label directions.
Dietary Considerations
Vitamin C may offer substantial benefits in fighting
pneumonia if started within two days of onset.
drink plenty of fluids
and filtered water
vitamin A, for not more than two weeks, may help
support your respiratory and immune systems.
eat plenty of fresh fruit
and vegetables
Zinc supplements, may also help your immune system fight
infection. •
Vitamin E daily may help support damaged lung tissue.
If you are on antibiotics
it is wise to also take Lactobacillus acidophilus supplements or natural acidophilus
yoghurt.
Prevention
When to seek further
professional advice
|
