Bacteria, fungi, or viruses are common causes of pneumonia. This condition leads to symptoms like fever or cold. As a result, people often ignore it or treat it as a common flu, leading to complications. It is essential to know the symptoms of pneumonia so that it can be diagnosed accurately. Timely treatment can help manage the signs, complications and organ failure to some extent. It also prevents the progression of the condition.

What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia affects the lung’s air sacs, leading to inflammation. While most types of pneumonia affect the air sacs, other types may attack different areas in the lungs. Besides fever and cold, this condition also causes inflammation and fluid build-up in the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties. A prolonged case of the condition can weaken the immune system, making the body susceptible to other diseases. Children below two years of age and adults above the age of sixty-five are prone to develop this condition.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
As mentioned earlier, since pneumonia is a respiratory condition, predominant symptoms are related to the lungs. It is vital to make a note of the following signs and get appropriate help to prevent complications. The following are the most common symptoms of pneumonia that may need urgent care:

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Confusion
Persistent cough with phlegm
Fever above 102 degrees
Sweating
Low body temperature in older people
Chills
Fatigue
Vomiting
Nausea
Diarrhea

Treatment options for pneumonia
Doctors plan treatment for pneumonia based on the types, its cause, the patient’s age, the severity of symptoms, and the overall health of a patient.

In the case of viral pneumonia, the healthcare team may prescribe some antivirals until the condition of the patient improves. Along with that, they recommend plenty of fluids and rest for those with a mild form of pneumonia. If a patient develops pneumonia during a hospital stay due to a weak immune system or is older than sixty-five, the treatment options may differ and the recovery may take a little longer.

If the infection is severe, the patients may require intensive care and life support systems to help them breathe easier. Besides that, intravenous options, fluids, and oxygen therapy may also be used to relieve the symptoms of pneumonia. In most cases, pneumonia is a short-term condition if treated on time. Patients can make a complete recovery with timely diagnosis and treatment.

Natural remedies for pneumonia
The human body will take time to recover as the infection may leave behind quite a bit of mucus build-up in the immune system. As a result, persistent coughing with phlegm and fatigue are common during the recovery period. Here are some of the natural remedies that can escalate the recovery process:

Stay hydrated
Fluids flush out toxins from the body through urine and sweat, so it is essential to stay hydrated at all times. A dehydrated and weak system can lead to further complications. Include a variety of vegetables or bone broth and fruit juices without added sugar in daily meals to stay hydrated. Make it a goal to drink at least three to four liters of water daily to maintain good health.

Gradually start with physical activities
Once the fever and cough subside, one may feel like getting up and moving around every time they feel slightly better. However, that’s the last thing one must do. It is important to completely recover from the cough and breathing issues, as following strenuous physical activity can take a toll on lung health. Once recovered, one can slowly start with light exercises like walking, yoga, and cycling.

Make lifestyle changes
Alterations in daily meal plans, and regular low-intensity physical activity is recommended. Breathing exercises and yoga can help the lungs heal and recover. It is important to note persistent symptoms of pneumonia during the recovery process, as it could be an indication of a relapse. In such cases, contact a doctor immediately to get help.

Include protein-rich foods in meals
Protein-rich foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help with quicker recovery. According to experts, 40-50 grams of proteins along with a combination of vegetables, fruits, and probiotics is an ideal meal plan. It is recommended to include healthy foods like nuts, beans, lean meat, and salmon in daily meals to regain energy. Meanwhile, avoid cold foods, limit salt and abstain from foods containing trans fat, saturated fat, synthetic additives, and sugar-rich foods. These foods may weaken the immunity system and hinder recovery time.

Complete the treatment course
Once the infection subsides, continuing with the treatment and completing the full course is advised. Do not stop the treatment for pneumonia midway. A relapse may be severe and cause more complications. The virus may become resistant to certain treatment options if taken randomly without following the doctor’s advice.