Pneumonia is a potentially deadly problem that affects the lungs.  If not detected early enough or properly treated, pneumonia can become a life threatening problem especially for the weak and elderly. The alveolar are air filled sacs within the lungs whose job is to absorb oxygen, however, when pneumonia strikes, the alveolar become filled with fluid which inflames the lungs. The fluid buildup in the lungs can be caused by a viral, fungal, bacterial, or parasitic infection. It can also come about from physical injury to the lungs such as chemical exposure or inhaling poisons. The symptoms of pneumonia include coughing, wheezing, fever, chest pain, and trouble breathing.

Types of pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia: This type is cause by bacteria. Often called walking pneumonia, this is a mild variety of the ailment and usually will not involve a hospital stay. The most common symptom of atypical pneumonia is a dry cough.

Aspiration Pneumonia: This type is caused by bacteria which are present in the oral cavity penetrating the lungs and causing pneumonia. Most bacteria found in the oral cavity are harmless, however, a weakening of the gag reflex could allow them to penetrate the lungs.

Opportunistic pneumonia: this type of pneumonia takes advantage of people who have weakened immune systems. As long as your immune system is in good working order, you do not need to worry about contracting this type of pneumonia.

Regional and occupational Pneumonia: this one is caused by exposure to certain conditions such as chemicals or cattle.

Classifications of pneumonia

Community acquired pneumonia: People who get pneumonia from friends or family fall into this category. This is the most common form of pneumonia and the sixth most common way to die in the United States.

Hospital acquired pneumonia: People who catch pneumonia during a hospital stay fall in this category.

Diagnosis

X-rays, MRIs and testing the mucus or phlegm in the throat are the most common ways that doctors diagnose the disease. A doctor can also take a blood test to see if there is a high white blood cells count indicating infection within the body.

Treatment

If it is caused by bacteria, pneumonia may be easily treated with antibiotics.  Plenty of Rest and fluids also help rid the body of the disease. Most cases of pneumonia can be treated at home, but more severe cases may need to stay in the hospital.  Even with treatment, pneumonia can be deadly, especially for the elderly and the chronically or terminally ill.

Other symptoms and complications

Other symptoms that may come with pneumonia are vomiting, nausea, joint pain, muscle pain, chills and a blue tinge to the skin. Along with these other symptoms, pneumonia can lead to other complications such as respiratory failure, circulatory failure and abscesses. For those who suffer from respiratory failure due to the lungs filling with fluid and becoming stiff and failing to operate on their own, breathing assistance in the form of a ventilator and breathing tube may be needed.

Sepsis (toxins in the blood) might also set in during a bout with pneumonia is if the condition is not cleared up in the usually two to four weeks. This poisoning of the blood can lead to liver failure, heart failure, and kidney failure. One in five patients who get blood poisoning because of pneumonia eventually end up dying because of it. One in twenty people who end up getting normal pneumonia also end up dying from complications by it.

Recovery from pneumonia depends upon how sick a person is when they are first diagnosed. If caught early, a person can be free of pneumonia’s grip in two weeks. However, up to four weeks may be needed if it is discovered in its later stages.

If you are suffering from pneumonia, there are several things that you can do at home that can help bring about relief and further  boost your immunity. Working along with conventional medical treatments, pneumonia home remedies can help bring relief from the painful and energy sapping symptoms of this lung infection. With the focus on nutrition, immunity, and recovery; certain vitamins and supplement can help you recover from the coughing, wheezing, fever and fatigue that pneumonia tends to bring with it and help you get your breath back.

Here are some key  supplements and herbs that you should take:

Vitamin C
It seems that you need to take this all powerful immune system boosting vitamin for just about every ailment out there and pneumonia is not an exception. Taking 500 to 1000 mgs of the Big Bad C when the symptoms of infection first start showing up, will help your body crank ups its microbe killing interferon production.

Zinc
Zinc is pretty much the mineral equivalent of Vitamin C. This all important supplement helps get your body’s immune system into action. It stimulates the production of antibody T-cells and increases white blood cell circulation. Take a lozenge or some zinc drops every 2 to 3 hours and find yourself recovering faster.

Vitamin A
While you cannot take as much, this vitamin is also very important when it comes to immune system function. It also can help play a role in the healing of your inflamed mucous membranes, bringing you relief from the discomfort. You can overdo Vitamin A, especially when you use it as a supplement, so keep your dosage at the recommended levels, especially if you are pregnant.

Garlic
Since Pneumonia can be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection, it is good to eat something that has the power to kill all three. Most powerful when it is both crushed and raw, but still pretty potent when it is lightly cooked, garlic can help boost your immune system response and recovery from your symptoms. If you cannot handle the taste of garlic, 2 to 3 capsules will also help you out.

Cough Relieving Herbs
There are many herbs out there that can provide you with natural cough relief. Some of these include liquorice root, marshmallow (the herb not the desert topping), horehound, and coltfoot, and can be helpful when taken as a tea or as a lozenge.

Here is a potent tea recipe that can also help kill off the viruses and bacteria and help you recover faster and help you breathe a little easier.

In hot water steep:

• One heaping teaspoon of fenugreek
• One table spoon of crated ginger
• One crushed garlic clove
• A pinch of cayenne pepper

Let the solid stuff seep for five minutes then squeeze one half of a lemon. Enjoy it like this or sweeten it with a bit of natural honey.

Here are some other Pneumonia fighting tips:

• Eat Healthy: Foods high in antioxidants and natural vitamins
• Add a little spice: Foods like horseradish, mustard  and chili are great expectorants
• Stay Warm: Hot steamy baths can help too
• Stay Hydrated: drink plenty of water, use a humidifier to help moisten up your mucus membranes.
• Get a good steam inhaler and vaporizer
• For goodness sake, lie down and get some rest: And do not leave until you feel like your 100 percent.