Viral pneumonia – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Tuesday, July 10, 2018 by Carol Anderson

Viral pneumonia is a type of pneumonia, and it is a complication of the colds and flu virus. The lungs become swollen due to the infection, which causes a blockage of the oxygen flow.

It is more common among younger children and older adults as their immune system is not as effective yet in fighting off the virus.

Viral pneumonia can be caused by one or several viruses, such as the adenovirus, influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and measles. Of all pneumonia cases, viral pneumonia accounts for about one-third of them.

Known risk factors and symptoms of viral pneumonia

The following people are more at risk of contracting viral pneumonia:

Those are two years old or younger
Those who are 65 years old or older
Those who work or live in a hospital or nursing care home
Women who are pregnant
People who smoke
Those who have compromised immune systems

Meanwhile, the most common symptoms associated with viral pneumonia include:

Coughing with mucus
High body temperature
Body chills
Fatigues
Excessive sweating
Blueness of the lips
Weakness

Body systems affected by viral pneumonia

Although viral pneumonia is very common and most cases are cured in a few weeks, it can still lead to further complications if left untreated. The possible repercussions of this condition to the body include:

Respiratory failure
Sepsis
Bacterial infections
Liver and/or heart failure

It is important to immediately seek the assistance of a medical expert to prevent the disease from becoming worse.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent or relieve viral pneumonia

The list below is found to be the best natural food remedy for cases of pneumonia:

Garlic – It has antimicrobial properties that can help fight off the virus.
Cayenne pepper – It has a high level of capsaicin that can help release the mucus stuck in the respiratory passages.
Fenugreek seed – It can help break down congestion with its mucolytic properties.
Sesame seed – It helps expel phlegm as it is a natural expectorant.
Vegetable juice – This drink can help boost the immune system and dissolve mucus since it is packed with lots of nutrients.
Turmeric – It also works as a natural mucolytic that helps expel mucus.
Holy basil and black pepper – These two are known beneficial for the health of the lungs.

Treatments, management options for viral pneumonia

Consuming the food items mentioned above greatly helps in stopping the virus from getting worse. To fully recover from it, it is advised that patients observe the following.

Rest as much as possible
Get in a steam bath
Use a eucalyptus and tea tree oil chest rub and heat pack
Always stay hydrated
Increase intake of vitamins A and C
Regularly wash hands to prevent germs from spreading or entering the body
Cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing

Where to learn more

Summary

Viral pneumonia is a type of pneumonia made complicated by the virus from colds and flu. The infection causes the lungs to become swollen, leaving the oxygen pathways blocked. This condition is more common among younger children and older adults.

Symptoms associated with viral pneumonia include fever, coughing, chills, and fatigue, to name a few. If a patient does not immediately seek help, the disease can lead to further complications, such as respiratory failure, sepsis, bacterial infections, liver and/heart failure.

Higher intake of foods such as garlic, cayenne pepper, turmeric and drinking more vegetable juice can help prevent or relieve its symptoms. Meanwhile, it is possible to treat and manage the condition by getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and regularly taking vitamins A and C.

Sources include:

MedlinePlus.gov

HealthLine.com

DoveMed.com

Top10HomeRemedies.com

HomeRemedyShop.com

Tagged Under: Tags: viral pneumonia