Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing the infected person to cough with phlegm or pus, as well as fevers, chills and difficulty in breathing.
Pneumonia can be caused by a variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi. The disease ranges from mild to life threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than 65 years of age, and people with health problems or weak immune systems.
Chest pain when you breathe or cough
Confusion or changes in mental awareness, in adults aged 65 and older
Cough, which may produce phlegm
Fever, sweating and shaking chills
Lower than normal body temperature, in adults older than 65 years and people with weak immune systems
Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
Newborns and infants might not show any symptoms of the infection, or they may vomit, have fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating.
Pneumonia can be caused by many germs. Most common types are the bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Our bodies usually prevent these germs from infecting our lungs, but sometimes these germs can overpower our immune systems, even if health is generally good.
The different types of pneumonia are classified according to the germs that cause it and the location from where you got the infection.
This is the most common type of pneumonia. It occurs outside hospitals or other health facilities. It is caused by bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) and it can happen on its own or after you have gotten a cold or a flu. It may affect one lobe of the lung, known as lobar pneumonia.
Another type of pneumonia is caused by bacteria-like organisms (mycoplasma pneumoniae). These typically produce a milder pneumonia than other types of pneumonia. The informal name given to this type is walking pneumonia as it is typically not severe enough to require bed rest.
Fungi can also cause pneumonia. It is most common in people who have chronic health problems or weak immune systems, and in people who have inhaled large doses of these organisms. Fungi that cause this type of pneumonia can be found in soil or bird droppings and vary depending on geographic location.
Some viruses that cause colds and flus can also cause pneumonia. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years old. This type is usually mild, but it can become very serious in some cases. COVID-19 can also cause pneumonia, which can then become severe.
This type of pneumonia happens during hospital stay for another illness. It can be serious because the bacteria causing it could be more resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get infected are already sick. People at higher risk for getting infected with this type of pneumonia are those who are on breathing machines (ventilators).
This type of bacterial infection occurs in people who live in long-term care facilities or who receive care in outpatient clinics, including kidney dialysis centres. This can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics.
This type of pneumonia occurs when you inhale food, drink, vomit or saliva into lungs. It is more likely to happen if something disturbs your normal gag reflex, such as brain injury or swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.
A type of pneumonia that affects the bronchi in the lungs. It could be a result of bacterial, viral or fungal infections. The bacterial type is the most common one.
There are four stages of pneumonia: congestion, red hepatization, grey hepatization and resolution.
Congestion occurs in the first 24 hours. Lungs are heavy, red and boggy, with increased blood flow and swelling in the airways. Early symptoms include coughing and fatigue.
In red hepatization, lungs appear to be red and firm, looking similar to a liver because of the buildup of red blood cells, neutrophils and fibrin in the air sacs.
During the grey hepatization, lungs appear grey and firm, again similar to a liver because of breakdown of red blood cells and fibrinopurulent exudate.
In the resolution stage, the lungs return to normal as inflammatory fluids and damaged cells disappear. It becomes easier to breathe and cough may help clear fluid from the lungs. This stage usually happens around the 8th-10th day and can last up to a few weeks.
Ayurvedic herbs such as Tulsi, Yashtimadhu and ayurvedic medicine like Sitopaladi Churna have soothing properties that help relieve cough and irritation, as well as help manage respiratory infections.
Specialised Ayurvedic detoxification therapies such as Vamana and Virechana are considered for respiratory disorders.
Maintain a balanced diet, proper rest, regular exercise and stress reduction for a speedy recovery.
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva’s certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Pneumonia accurately.
Understanding the unique physical and psychological patterns allow us to create a Pneumonia treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.
Our practitioners investigate the progression of pneumonia by examining hygiene, dietary habits, lifestyle and mental health factors. This thorough analysis helps identify specific triggers that need to be addressed for targeted and individualised treatment.
We create a detailed Pneumonia treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha balance and enhance overall health.
Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised and Ayurvedic Treatment for Pneumonia with Jiva’s ongoing support.
87% of patients rate us excellent in service.
78% of patients saw significant improvement in 3 months of treatment.
92% of patients stopped allopathic medicines completely.
Yes, the viral and bacterial types of pneumonia are contagious, whereas fungal pneumonia is not contagious.
Bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia are spread through the air, when someone who is infected by the disease coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces that were touched by an infected person.