Pneumonia is a serious infection of the lungs that can be caused by any of a number of different infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and mycoplasma. The infection causes tiny air sacs in the lung area to become inflamed and filled with mucus and pus, inhibiting oxygen from reaching the blood. Lobar pneumonia affects only a section, or lobe, of one lung. Although symptoms can vary in intensity, they usually include fever, chills, cough, bloody sputum, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat, enlarged lymph glands in the neck, cyanosis (a bluish cast to skin and nails), pain in the chest, and rapid, difficult respiration.
Pneumonia is typically preceded by an upper respiration infection such as cold, influenza, or measles. Factors that increase the risk of pneumonia include being either under one year or over sixty years of age, a weakened immune system, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV infection, seizure or strokes, aspiration under anesthesia, alcoholism, smoking, kidney failure, sickle cell disease, malnutrition, foreign bodies in the respiratory passages, exposure to chemical irritants, and even allergies.
Bacterial pneumonia can be very dangerous and may come on either suddenly or gradually, usually as a complication of some other health problem such as respiratory disease, a weakened immune system, or viral infection. Older adults, young children, alcoholics, and people who have just undergone surgery are also at risk. Streptococcus pneomoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Symptoms usually include shaking, chills, and high temperature. The cough is dry at first. Then a rust-colored sputum is produced, and breathing becomes rapid and labored. Chest pain that worsens upon inhalation, abdominal pain, and fatigue are also common, This type of pneumonia is unlikely to spread from one person to another.
Viral Pneumonia is more variable in course and severity. It can come on suddenly or gradually, and symptoms- which are much the same as those of bacterial pneumonia- can be mild, severe, or anywhere in between. It is less serious than bacterial pneumonia, but if not cared for properly, a second, bacterial pneumonia infection can set in.
Fungal Pneumonia, especially Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), is much less common that either the bacterial or viral variety, and is often associated with a weakened or suppressed immune system. People with HIV, AIDS, or certain types of cancer, or who are taking immunosuppressive drugs following organ transplantation, are most likely to be affected.
Mycoplasma pneumonia, or “walking pneumonia” is caused by an agent that is unclassified but appears to be both bacterium and virus. This form of pneumonia usually affects people under forty. The symptoms tend to be less severe than those of viral or bacterial pneumonia and include a cough that is spasmodic, along with chills and a fever.
Infants can contract pneumonia due to a Chlamydia trachomatis infection transferred to the child during the birth. Childhood pneumonia can also be caused by the same bacteria that cause whooping cough.
NATURAL HERBS FOR PNEUMONIA TREATMENT
The Chinese mushrooms cordyceps is available in a tonic formula to support the lungs. Clear lungs from Ridgecrest herbals is a Chinese herbal formula designed to provide nutrients to the lungs. Elderberry has antiviral properties and reduces pneumonia symptoms. Ephedra (ma huang) is beneficial for relief of congestion and coughing. Warning: do not use this herb if you suffer from anxiety, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or insomnia, or if you are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Eucalyptus oil is beneficial for relieving congestion. Put 5 drops in hot bath or 6 drops in a cup of boiling water, put a towel over your head, and inhale the vapors. Olive leaf extract enhances immune system function and fights all types of infection, including the flu virus.
More recommendations for natural pneumonia treatment
Consume plenty of fluids, especially fresh juices, herbal teas, soups and quality water, to prevent dehydration and help flush out the body. To shorten the length of the flu, go on a liquid diet emphasizing hot herbal teas and hot broth for one of two days. Sleep and rest as much as possible. Do not take zinc at the same time you eat or drink citrus fruits or juices. It will diminish the effectiveness of the zinc. Do consume a lot of other types of fruit. Fenugreek breaks up phlegm and mucus, and slippery elm helps remove them from the body. If you are over sixty-five, see your health care provider.
Pneumonia can cause serious complications for people in this age group. Antibiotics are useless against viral illnesses like pneumonia and influenza. The best way to get rid of the problem or any other infectious illness is to attack it head on by strengthening the immune system. The thymus and adrenal glands are the power seat of the immune system. When the body is getting sick, or is already sick, it is under stress, and stress taxes the immune system. Researchers have linked vulnerability to colds, flu and pneumonia to psychological stress.
Potent natural pneumonia treatment recommended by almost top naturopathic doctors is the self-administered oxygen therapy. They discovered that, microbes, harmful bacteria, and viruses such as pneumonia, cancer heart disease and even aids, do not cause the disease by themselves. They just thrive in their natural habitat the oxygen – deprived environment. The moment the environment in our body is deprived of oxygen it becomes acidic and normally all kinds of viruses and harmful bacteria thrive and reproduce dramatically. The cells in our body with enough supply of oxygen is uninhabitable by all kinds of diseases viruses and even pneumonia. Therefore, the recommended approach is to keep the body always oxygenated. Take the time to explore and study this powerful and controversial treatment