With the onset of winters and an increase in air pollution, the risk of various health issues is also rising. Pneumonia is one such disease that takes a serious toll on people’s health during this season. The condition affects your lungs and can go from mild to life-threatening if not treated well in time. Thus, if you or any of your loved ones experience pneumonia symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Along with the doctors’ help, you can also manage pneumonia symptoms at home. In this article, we have shared some of the best and doctor-tested home remedies for pneumonia. But before that, let’s unveil a bit more about this lung infection and its symptoms. Read on:

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material). This can happen due to a variety of organisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It can also develop due to other illnesses such as flu, Covid-19, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Pneumonia affects people of all ages and gender but it can seriously impact infants, young children, and adults above 65 years. It also highly affects people who have a weak immune system or have health issues such as asthma.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

The most common signs and symptoms a person with pneumonia can experience are:

• coughing
• shortness of breath
• pain in the chest
• fever & chills
• fatigue and muscle pain
• a headache caused by persistent coughing

If you notice any such symptoms, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The doctor will prescribe medicines and also suggest a few home remedies to control the symptoms. Below, we have also shared some such remedies you can try. Keep reading.

Home Remedies For Pneumonia

Based on the types of symptoms you or anyone else suffering from pneumonia are experiencing, you can use the home remedies mentioned below. However, do not try to treat the diseases with these remedies only. The best way to get better is to seek medical attention from experienced doctors. These home remedies can be used along with the treatment.

Home remedies for cough

Coughing is one of those pneumonia symptoms that affect you right in the beginning. With time, it can become so persistent that it can lead to headaches and even muscle pain in the body. So, get medical care from doctor before trying any home remedies. Coughing can also stay even after you have received the treatment. It eventually subsides within six weeks. And since coughing helps your body in getting rid of the fluid, don’t try to stop it completely. To get some relief, you can try the following home remedies:

• Gargling: Add salt into warm water and gargle at least three times a day. This may eliminate the germs or mucus in the throat.
• Hot beverages: Drink hot beverages such as peppermint tea, eucalyptus tea, or fenugreek tea. These can break up the mucus and ease up the inflammation in the throat.

Home remedies for shortness of breath

Shortness of breath often comes with lung infections such as pneumonia. Now, if you have any symptoms shortness of breath, don’t rely on home remedies but consult a doctor immediately. In addition, you can do the following:

• Take air: As per one study, using a handheld fan can subside shortness of breath. You can also breathe in from a shower or inhale warm air of your cup of tea. Again, this should be done while you are already taking a treatment from the doctor. Also, don’t forget to take permission.
• Take rest: Resting gives your body an opportunity to repair the cells. Thus, rest as much as possible and avoid physical exertion, especially in pneumonia.

Home remedies for fever

Fever can start suddenly or over the course of a few days. If you are following the treatment plan from a doctor, it will disappear in a week. Here are some home remedies you can try for a relief:

• Take OTC pain relievers: You can take medicines that alleviate pain and reduce fever. Though they are available at the chemist shop, it is suggested that you talk to a doctor before taking them.
• Drinking fluids: During fever, you need to keep yourself hydrated with liquids or electrolytes to prevent dehydration. You can also drink cold beverages or eat a homemade ice popsicle to bring the temperature down.
• Apply a lukewarm press or warm bath: For fever, this is the most common home remedy. Lukewarm compress cools down your body from outside in. In case you can take a bath, soak your body in lukewarm water.

Home remedies for chills

Chills often accompany fever during pneumonia. They also subside as soon as your fever breaks down. Here are some home remedies you can follow to get relief from chills: 

• Drink warm water: Drink warm water does two things – it reduces chills and also keeps your body hydrated. So, instead of taking the cold water, get a bottle of warm water by your side.
• Consume other hot beverages and fluids: Along with warm water, you can include hot beverages and soups in your daily diet. You can try herbal teas or a hot bowl of vegetable soups to replenish your body and keep it warm.

No doubt that the above-mentioned remedies are helpful but they cannot work in isolation. Make sure you follow the specific treatment plan prepared by the health expert and visit the hospital if the symptoms worsen or do not improve. If you have any more questions related to these home remedies or pneumonia, consult a medical professional. Nowadays, you can also take online appointments and talk to a doctor without even stepping out of the home.

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