Pneumonia once caused dread to those who heard they or a loved one had this sickness. However, thanks to modern medicine, while still serious, it is no longer considered a death sentence. Nonetheless, pneumonia can still result in death if not treated properly, especially in the elderly and children younger than one year old. These days treatment can be based solely on western medicine, alternative medicine, or a combination of both.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is most commonly the result of an infection caused by bacteria or a virus, or by the inhalation of vomit, mucus and some types of chemicals. The word pneumonia means an ‘inflammation of the lungs’.
There are several types of pneumonia which are differentiated by the bacteria which caused it. In fact, there are said to be around 30 different types, but they are grouped under two main headings, namely, aspiration and infective pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia results from the inhalation of vomit or harsh chemicals into the lungs.
Infective pneumonia results from the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Some other bacteria which can cause the condition are pneumococcus and staphylococcus. The worst form of the sickness, lobar pneumonia is caused by the pneumococcus bacteria.
Regardless of the cause, the result is lungs that cannot properly do their job, thus preventing oxygenated blood from reaching cells. Pneumonia generally results in air sacs becoming filled with mucous and pus.
Treatment of Pneumonia
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the pneumonia. When caused by bacteria, pneumonia is commonly treated with antibiotics such as penicillin, erythromycin and Augmentin. Most persons with pneumonia do not need hospitalization. However they have to take their medication, drink lots of fluids and get plenty of rest.
When pneumonia is viral, administering antibiotics is not an effective treatment. In fact, this type tends to go away on its own over time with rest and lots of fluids. Pain and fever can be controlled with over-the-counter medications.
Natural Treatment For Pneumonia
Like most illnesses, pneumonia can be effectively treated naturally. One often recommended treatment option is a vitamin C regimen. Other recommended courses of treatment include:
Fenugreek tea
This is recommended especially in the early stages of the infection. Drinking tea made from Fenugreek helps to shorten the timeframe during which the fever lasts. The recommended dosage is four cups per day. It is recommended that for best results, the stomach should be empty before drinking the tea. In fact, fenugreek tea works best during a period of fasting.
Garlic
Garlic can be taken internally as well as used externally for pneumonia. Garlic tea helps with clearing the respiratory system. Applying a paste of garlic on the chest is also helpful, but be on the lookout for possible skin irritation. If irritation occurs discontinue external use.
Sesame seeds
An infusion made from sesame seeds, linseed, salt and honey helps to remove mucus and other matter from the bronchial passage. Around 15g of sesame seeds is steeped in 250 ml of water and allowed to brew for a few minutes.
Vegetable Juices
The nutritional and healing powers of vegetable juices are well known. Use any combination of vegetables you want for your vegetable juice to help speed recovery from pneumonia. One combination can be carrots, parsnip, cucumber and beet. Very few vegetables are excluded, you can do single vegetable juices such as spinach or you can combine them. Avoid adding sugar or artificial sweeteners to your vegetable juices. If so inclined, use a little honey.
It is always best not to self-diagnose if possible. If you suspect you have pneumonia, get checked out by a doctor to confirm this. Once you receive confirmation you can determine how to proceed with treatment.
How long Does it take to be Cured
The time it takes to cure pneumonia depends on the type, severity and the general health of the patient. The course of treatment also plays a role in recovery time. Generally, a healthy person should make a full recovery within two to three weeks if they complete their treatment. This timeline is especially true for younger persons. Seniors may take a little longer to recover from pneumonia. The coughing can however take up to eight weeks to stop completely.
Most important, whether you are using western medicine or alternative medicine to treat pneumonia, some things are constant. These are a well balanced diet, lots of fluids, fresh air and lots of rest.
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December 27th, 2011 at 10:51 pm
I was diagnosed Nov. 15. I’m on my 4th set of antibiotics. My Dr changes them, but as soon as I stop taking them the symptoms return. I have walking pneumonia. I think I should be hospitalized but it doesn’t look like thats what my Dr wants to do.
November 19th, 2011 at 3:45 pm
Hello!
My child was admitted to the hospital cuz she has pneumonia…. We have been on the hospital for one week… Last week, we were in vacation and my child has lower fewer.i took my child to the dr. He took and the x ray and shows a bad case of pneumonia… Children are to strong sometimes they are sick but they don’t show cuz they are more interested in play. He didn’t look to sick and didn’t complain of any pain…. After I search about pneumonia and I see the severe of this. I can’t believe how my child wasn’t complaining of chest pain.
November 11th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
I hope that some of these people feel better because I pray for everyone Who’s got this nasty disease..!:(
July 12th, 2011 at 9:34 am
i’m not replying but im just asking i have lobar pnemonia and treated the it.i don’t understand why im still coughing is 2 months know.
February 12th, 2011 at 11:01 am
im 14 and my type of pneumonia is not that Extreme.
Im only Coughing And Got Chills . just in the morning…
But yesterday i had lost of appetite.. and i have a feeling its gonna happen again
im definitely not going to the hospital because in my town trust me they only poke you full of needles !!
even the paramedics dont recommend it..
Its my 1st time… And my mom & brother who is 20)has is too
Email me Amandaisacookie@hotmail.com
Because i have no idea how to treat it
January 18th, 2011 at 10:16 pm
I hope you have recovered by now Lisa. That was almost 4 months ago. I am in the same boat as you were. I just did the second round of z-pack and after 2 days of completing the meds, my side is hurting more again. Oh God its horrible, never had it before. Me too I had no symptoms I went to hospital cuz I thought I broke a rib pain was so bad, then that same day it felt like a knife stabbing my side when i took a deep breath. Let me no what they finally gave you and how you are. God bless you. Barb
December 23rd, 2010 at 1:42 pm
becka mackinnon you my good dear are a kunt in every since of the word trailer trash bitch!
October 30th, 2010 at 10:10 pm
last day in my x-ray report ,dr said its a case of pneumonia ,docters give me some medicines ,and a “esiflo 250 trans haler” i feel better in one day …its amazing …now a days new medicines cure u …not ur old desi techniques ….thank u
October 18th, 2010 at 5:52 pm
your comments are bullshit.. honestly, noone cares if your sick er not ?
September 29th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
I was in the Dr’s office two weeks ago and diagnosed w/ pneumonia. First round of Z-pack did not help; on levaquin now. Just finished 7 days of it and still can’t breath when I do anything.
Very frustrating. Didn’t have a fever at all, no sweats or chills either. Just couldn’t breath.