Pneumonia - What Should You Know?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung where the air sacs are inflamed. Fluid or pus is formed in the air sacs resulting in cough and phlegm, chills, fever and breathing difficulties.

Pneumonia can be caused by a range of organisms such as fungi, viruses and bacteria. 

The symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to very severe. The symptoms turn severe mostly in young children, infants, elderly people and people whose immune systems are weak.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

The symptoms of pneumonia will depend on age, overall health and what organism caused it. 

• Cough with phlegm

• Fatigue

• When you breathe or cough, you may experience chest pain

• In the elderly, it can lead to a confused mental state

• Fever and chills

• A low body temperature

• Breathing difficulties

• You may experience diarrhoea and vomiting 

• Nausea

Causes and risk factors of pneumonia 

Pneumonia can be caused by the following –

1. Fungi 

Fungal pneumonia mostly affects people with weak immune systems. The fungi are usually found in bird droppings and soil.

2. Bacteria

Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common bacterial pneumonia. In some cases, you get it after you go through a phase of the flu while in others, it takes root on its own. 

3. Virus

Viruses that cause flu can also cause pneumonia. Viral pneumonia mostly affects children below 5 years of age. 

4. Aspiration pneumonia

This pneumonia occurs when food, drink, saliva or vomit goes into your lungs. 

The risk factors of pneumonia are –

• Children less than 2 years of age

• The elderly

• If you have been hospitalized

• Smoking can weaken your immune system

• COPD, heart problems and asthma can make you prone to pneumonia

What is the treatment for pneumonia?

Pneumonia treatment aims to get rid of the infection and prevent complications. The exact treatment will depend on the severity of your symptoms, your health and your age.

Your options are –

1. Cough medicine

You doctor may recommend cough medicine to make your cough symptoms mild. A little cough is necessary to keep the fluids in your lungs loose and moving. 

2. Antibiotics

If you have bacterial pneumonia then antibiotics will be given to you. The process can be time-consuming as for the antibiotic to work effectively, it will need to identify the bacteria causing the infection. 

3. Pain relievers

Pain relievers may be recommended by the doctor to ease pain and fever symptoms.

If the symptoms take a serious turn, then you may need to be hospitalized. 

Diet for pneumonia

To combat pneumonia, you also need to keep your diet healthy. This will strengthen your immune system so that your body can combat infections effectively. 

1. Whole grains

Whole grains like brown rice, wheat, and oats provide much-needed energy to the body. They also contain B vitamins that are necessary for your body temperature to be in control.

2. Protein 

Foods rich in protein like soybeans, nuts and fishes are good for rebuilding damaged tissues because of their amino acids content. Remember to avoid red meat as it can stress your digestive system.

3. Citrus fruits

Citrus fruits like oranges and sweet lime contain Vitamin C that is an immune system booster. They also contain a range of other antioxidants which help repair damaged cells.

4. Honey

Taking a teaspoon of honey every day will help combat the symptoms of cold and phlegm. It also has antibacterial properties. 

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a mucolytic. It helps to loosen and remove mucus from your bronchial pipes. This is turn will help you breathe better. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which can aid your body fight the symptoms of pneumonia.

Apart from consuming these foods, ensure that you get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. This will enhance your mood and also keep your body weight in check.