Inflammation of the alveoli of the lungs due to different infections is called pneumonia. The infection may be bacterial, viral or fungal. Pneumonia arises when an infectious agent crosses the defense mechanism of the upper respiratory system and the alveolar macrophages, reaches the lungs, and causes inflammation. Pneumonia which affects the entire lobe of a lung is known as lobar pneumonia. Pneumonia affecting small areas in several lobes of the lungs is called bronchopneumonia. Although pneumonia can affect people of any age group, but children aged two years or younger, and individuals who are 65 years of age or more are at the highest risk. Homeopathic treatment for pneumonia is very beneficial for affected patients. These medicines help in providing symptomatic improvement from pneumonia and resolve the inflammation of the alveoli of the lung. In each case of pneumonia, homeopathic medicines need to be carefully selected based upon the individual symptomatic presentation.
When prescribed as per the prominent symptoms, homeopathic medicines have the ability to help in complete recovery from pneumonia. Homeopathic medicines that are highly effective for treating pneumonia are Bryonia, Arsenic Album, Phosphorus, Antimonium Tart, Hepar Sulph, Ipecac, Carbo Veg, and Senega.
Homeopathic Treatment for Pneumonia
1. Bryonia – Top Grade Medicine for Pneumonia with Chest Pain
Bryonia is an important treatment for pneumonia. It works well when chest pain accompanies pneumonia. The pain is stitching in nature. Chest pains get worse on coughing and deep breathing. While coughing, the patient needs to hold the chest because of the intense pain. Expectoration of rust or brick colored sputa is another characteristic feature. Along with these symptoms, there is difficulty in breathing, and there may be fever accompanied by chills.
2. Arsenic Album – For Pneumonia with Difficulty in Breathing
Arsenic Album is a suitable medicine for pneumonia when difficult breathing and shortness of breath are prominent features. Along with this, cough with scanty frothy phlegm is present. Arsenic Album is also an effective homeopathic medicine for treating pneumonia from consuming chilled food items. Pain located specifically in the upper third of the right lung is another guiding symptom for the use of Arsenic Album. Another feature is a suffocating feeling, which gets worse on lying down or while sleeping.
3. Phosphorus – For Pneumonia with Chest Oppression
Phosphorus is a highly useful medicine for pneumonia. Phosphorus is indicated for pneumonia when accompanied by chest oppression. There is a heaviness in the chest and respiration is also quickened. There is also a dry, hard, racking cough. Along with this, bloody or purulent sputa may also occur. Phosphorus is very suitable for pneumonia of the left lower lung. In such cases, lying on the left side worsens the symptoms.
4. Antimonium Tart – For Rattling Mucus in the Chest
Antimonium Tart is an effective treatment for pneumonia when there is an excessive rattling of mucus in the chest. Lungs are full of mucus which is not expectorated. Short and difficult breathing accompanies this. Antimonium Tart works well in the last stages of pneumonia. Another important indication for using Antimonium Tart is the occurrence of jaundice with pneumonia.
5. Hepar Sulph – With Purulent Sputa
Hepar Sulph is a highly effective medicine for pneumonia when the sputa are purulent. The pus in such cases may be offensive. Hepar Sulph is basically a homeopathic medicine for pneumonia in the suppurative stage. There is a loose cough with a rattling of mucus. Patients needing Hepar Sulph may have a fever with chills accompanying the above symptoms.
6. Ipecac – For Pneumonia Accompanied by Nausea and Vomiting
Ipecac is a good treatment for pneumonia in cases where nausea and vomiting accompany other respiratory symptoms. The respiratory symptoms include a suffocating loose cough without expectoration, shortness of breath, and constriction in the chest. The cough is spasmodic and often ends in vomiting. Along with this, bubbling rales in the chest are present. Bloody sputa may also arise.
7. For Pneumonia in Infants and Children
Most common treatment for pneumonia in infants and children are Antimonium Tart, Ipecac, and Bryonia. Antimonium Tart should be used when there is an excessive rattling of mucus in the chest. Along with this, rapid breathing is present. The pulse rate is also rapid and weak. Ipecac works well when there is a cough with bubbling rales in the chest. The child turns stiff and blue. Vomiting with a cough may arise. Bryonia is recommended when there is a cough with rust colored sputa.
8.For Pneumonia in Older People
Top treatment for pneumonia in older people are Carbo Veg, Senega, and Phosphorus. Carbo Veg works well for pneumonia with a cough and quick, short, labored breathing. Yellow and sticky expectoration may be present. A burning sensation in the chest is another accompanying symptom. Senega is useful when the chest feels sore along with coughing. The sputa are very tough and expectorated with much difficulty. Phosphorus works well when there is a cough along with oppressed breathing and bloody sputa. It is also recommended for threatened paralysis of the lung from pneumonia in older people.
Causes of Pneumonia
Micro organisms including bacteria, virus, and fungi can cause pneumonia. The common bacteria for pneumonia include streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenza, and klebsiella pneumoniae. Influenza virus causes pneumonia of viral origin, and adenovirus and rhinovirus pneumonia from fungi affect immuno-compromised patients. Fungi such as candida albicans, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Apergillus fumigates, are the fungi that are involved in causing pneumonia. Cigarette smoking, asthma, COPD, liver disease, and a weak immune system are risk factors for pneumonia.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
The symptoms of pneumonia include a productive cough, chest pain on taking deep breaths or while coughing, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, fever, and chills. The phlegm may be rust colored, blood stained, purulent, yellowish or greenish. Other attending symptoms are nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.
