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Pneumonia is an infectious disease of the respiratory system in which there is inflammation of the air sac in the lungs. The symptoms of the disease can be mild or severe depending upon the severity of the infection, age, and overall health of the person. Fortunately, Pneumonia is a respiratory system infection in which there is inflammation of the air sac in the lungs. we can prevent pneumonia by following an Ayurvedic lifestyle. This routine helps to strengthen the immune system and eliminates the toxins from our body. This write-up will enlighten you about pneumonia by discussing an overview, symptoms, diagnosis, herbal remedies, and prevention of pneumonia in infants and adults.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infectious disease of the respiratory system in which there is inflammation in the air sac of one or both lungs. These air sacs can get filled with fluid or pus (infective material), and it gives rise to symptoms such as cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and heavy breathing or breathing difficulties. Pneumonia can manifest due to a wide range of organisms like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Prevent pneumonia by following a healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining good hygiene, practicing breathing exercises, and eating an Ayurvedic diet.
The symptoms of the condition range from mild to serious and can even be life-threatening. The disease is more problematic for infants, young children, and adults above 65 years of age who have other health issues or have suppressed immunity.
What are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?
As discussed above, the symptoms can be mild to severe and are dependent on factors like the type of pathogens responsible for infection, age, and overall health. The following are the symptoms of pneumonia:
- Pain in the chest while breathing or coughing
- Brain fog or altered mental consciousness, especially for adults above 65 years of age
- Cough with sputum
- Extreme tiredness
- Fever, chills, and sweating
- Having low body temperature in adults above 65 years of age
- Nausea, vomiting, or loose motions
- Difficulty in breathing
Sometimes, newborns do not show any sign of infection but show symptoms like vomiting, fever, cough, crankiness, tiredness, and low energy. Moreover, the child can have shortness of breath and loss of appetite.
Also Read:- Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Children: Prevention and Treatment Guide
How to Know If I Have Normal Flu or Pneumonia?
It is hard to differentiate between symptoms of the common cold, flu, and pneumonia, and only a doctor can tell the difference through examinations and tests. The doctor can hear your lung sounds with the help of a stethoscope and can advise chest X-ray and other tests.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention like chest congestion, difficulty in breathing, a fever of 102 degrees or more, and coughing yellowish-green or blood in the mucus.
How to Diagnose Pneumonia?
The following tests can diagnose pneumonia:-
- Physical examination like rapid breathing and listening to lung sounds through a stethoscope.
- Chest X-rays
- Pulse oximetry
- Blood tests
- Sputum tests
Also Read:- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
3 Most Effective Home Remedies for Pneumonia
Ayurveda offers effective solutions to manage pneumonia. According to Ayurveda, pneumonia manifests due to aggravation of kapha dosha. The excess kapha dosha can be managed through home remedies, steam inhalation therapies, external purification methods, and the application of medicated oils on the chest and back.
1. Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil Tea):- Tulsi has potent antimicrobial properties and assists in alleviating chest congestion. Drinking tulsi tea 2-3 times a day is beneficial for pneumonia.
2. Golden Milk:- Turmeric has a compound named curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial functions. To prepare golden milk, add half a teaspoonful of turmeric powder and boil it. This milk should be taken before bedtime.
3. Herbal Steam Inhalation:- Add eucalyptus oil, tulsi leaves, clove, pepper, bay leaves, and cardamom to the boiling water. Inhale the steam 2-3 times a day to remove chest congestion.
Prevention of Pneumonia in Newborns through Ayurveda
Prevention is better than cure, and Ayurveda believes in boosting the immune system to keep infections at bay. The following preventive measures can help to prevent pneumonia among babies:
1. Breastfeeding:- Breast milk is a complete source of nutrition for small babies and also contains essential antibodies that strengthen their immunity and protect them from harmful infections like pneumonia.
2. Swarna Prashan or Ayurvedic Immunization:- Ayurvedic concepts stress enhancing the functions of the immune system to manage and prevent infections. Swarna Prashant Sanskar strengthens the immune system and keeps infectious diseases like pneumonia away.
3. Hygienic Practices:- The infections can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene and it is essential to wash your hands regularly, keep the surroundings clean, and limit the exposure to pollutants.
4. Avoiding Cold and Damp Conditions:- Newborns and small babies should be protected against cold and damp conditions. These environmental conditions make the respiratory system weak and can increase the risk of pulmonary infections like pneumonia.
5. Oil Massage:- Newborn massages, also known as Shishu abhyanga, increase blood circulation, strengthen the muscles, and promote overall well-being. These practices indirectly help to support the immune system and prevent infectious diseases like pneumonia.
Also Read:- Lower Respiratory Tract Infection: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
How to Prevent Pneumonia in Adults? – Ayurvedic Perspective
Ayurveda emphasizes on restoring the doshas balance to prevent diseases like respiratory health issues. According to Ayurvedic concepts, it is essential to maintain harmony between body, mind, soul, and environmental factors. The following Ayurvedic tips can help to prevent pneumonia and also improve respiratory wellness.
1. Detoxify every day:- According to Ayurveda, it is essential to remove toxins from the body to strengthen bodily functions and maintain the health of the respiratory system. One must practice deep breathing exercises or pranayama that increase the lung capacity and clear the respiratory passages.
2 Herbal Tea:- Ayurvedic herbs like Tulsi, Pippali, and Yashtimadhu are helpful for respiratory health. These herbs have anti-inflammatory and expectorant qualities to clear chest congestion and limit swelling in the respiratory passages.
3. Ayurvedic Diet:- Take a diet that is balanced and contains fresh fruits, green veggies, whole grains, and spices to boost the immune system and maintain the health of the respiratory system. Moreover, one should avoid junk food and excessive intake of sugary items to limit mucus formation and swelling in air passages.
4. Be Aware of the Environment:- Poor air quality negatively impacts respiratory health and also gives rise to many illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. If the air has harmful gases, toxins, and particulate matter, then it gives rise to issues like asthma and bronchitis. We should make conscious efforts to reduce air pollution by following practices like carpooling or using public transport, reducing the use of chemical products, and planting more trees.
Conclusion
Pneumonia is one of the common infections of the respiratory tract, and it is important to take timely interventions as the disease can become life-threatening in the later stages. Ayurvedic concepts believe that a state of disease is formed when there is an imbalance in the elemental energies or doshas. In respiratory illnesses like pneumonia, kapha dosha is aggravated. To prevent pneumonia Ayurvedic lifestyle should be followed along with maintaining proper hygiene.
If you or your loved one suffers from pneumonia or any type of allergy, Book a consultation with Dr Sahil Gupta. He is the CEO and Founder of IAFA Ayurveda as well as a Famous Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist. IAFA Ayurveda is one of the most trustworthy and committed institutions to improving the world through its original and holistic approach. Dr. Gupta treats all types of allergies using 100% natural and herbal products.
