What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a disease that affects not only the lungs, but in some cases, other vital organs. Generally, your upper respiratory system can destroy any invading bacterium or viral cells, but sometimes, those defenses fail, allowing the disease to enter the lower respiratory system. Once in the lungs, the alveoli (tiny air sacs that help you breathe) fill with fluid and swell up causing decreased air flow.

Types of Pneumonia

There Are Two Types of Pneumonia With Subsets

Pneumonia is either bacterial or viral, and knowing the cause of the pneumonia is critical, as each is treated with different medications. Using a few standard tests and a chest scan, your doctor will be able to determine the type of pneumonia you have and how to treat it.

BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA

This is the most common type of pneumonia caused by the Streptococcus bacteria and is usually contracted when the immune system is weak, such as after an upper respiratory infection or cold/flu. Symptoms usually are exhaustion, chest pain, fever, and odd breathing patterns.

VIRAL PNEUMONIA

This is usually contracted by the influenza flu or respiratory syncytial virus. It’s not as serious as a bacterial infection, but will present with fever, coughing mucus, headache, sore throat and more.

ATYPICAL/WALKING PNEUMONIA (Mycoplasma Pneumonia)

As an adult, you’re less likely to contract this version of Pneumonia, and isn’t caused by the same bacteria as the other forms. It’s milder, but signs include coughing, sweating, headache, and fever.

Most of the symptoms in pneumonia may all feel the same when you’re the one who’s sick; but it’s important your doctor determines the correct cause and/or severity of your prognosis.

DIAGNOSING PNEUMONIA

You’re coughing, tired and can’t breathe, so you call your doc and set up an appointment to be seen. Once he/she suspects you are presenting pneumonia symptoms, they will perform one of both standard tests which require a chest X-ray to confirm.

BTS/IDSA/ATS GUIDELINES FOR FIRST LINE ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT OF ADULT CAP

Chances are, your doctor knows these guidelines like the back of her hand, but you probably don’t. So if you are suffering from suspected or confirmed pneumonia and want to make sure you are being cared for correctly, click below to view the medical guidelines for testing and treatment.

Medication

Although there are many strains, types and subtypes; all still fall under being either bacterial or viral in nature. The majority of cases are bacterial and so are usually treated either with Amoxicillin, Doxycycine, Clarithromycin, or in more severe cases, Benzylpenicillin and/or IV/Hospital treatment. Most average prescriptions are for 500mg tablets of Amoxicillin 2-3x a day and can be treated at home.

The Fascinating Facts

We come into contact everyday with potentially harmful viruses and bacteria, in the case of pneumonia born bacteria and viruses, our bodies are built to withstand and conquer them… so why don’t they?

Usually, the Nasopharynx catches and destroys any pathogens that enter through your nose or mouth. But let’s say that they slip by your Naso army forces and travel down your esophagus… Your Glottis (this is where you look at the picture), which is a small slit of tissue that opens and closes like an elevator door. Generally, any pathogens get destroyed once they make it to this point, as your body is creating and sending out B and T cells to fight back.

But if your immune system isn’t strong enough, your army of cells will be weak, and the invading pathogens enter your lower respiratory system.

Once the pathogens are in your lung(s) they will begin to eat at the tissue cells and cause mucus to fill your tiny air sacs now as alveoli- which are normally free and clear carrying oxygen. So if you have a lowered immune system, you’re more prone to get pneumonia, and once you’ve contracted it, the one thing that can really benefit you-oxygen to feed your army- is being cut off by the symptoms of the disease. The best way to fight back is by strengthening your immune system.

Holistic Treatment and Remedies

ZINC

Zinc strengthens the immune system and is typically found in foods we don’t eat enough of- like beans! Research has shown that taking zinc while in the acute phases of pneumonia not only reduces symptoms, but the length of illness.

PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS

If you’re taking antibiotics, then you need to take extra good care of your gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotics don’t just kill the bad guys, they kill your good bacteria too- like a nuke, nobody wins. If you aren’t eating Kefir and cultured veggies, then contact your MyCoach for some supplement recommendations.

VITAMIN C

High doses of vitamin C, preferably from natural sources and not a Centrum bottle, will help repair your cell’s army and feed them while simultaneously reducing your symptoms and length of infection. “A Dr. Klenner remembers a man, who was lying near death from severe virus pneumonia, but refused to be hospitalized. ‘I went to his house and gave him one big shot with five grams or 5,000 milligrams of vitamin C,' he recalled. 'When I went back later in the day, his temperature was down three degrees and he was sitting on the edge of the bed eating. I gave him another shot of C, 5,000 milligrams and kept up that dosage for three days, four times a day. And he was well.’” Read more about that story HERE

JUICING

Feeding your body nutrients is essential, but providing more oxygen is critical. Juicing raw green leafy vegetables provides your blood cells with a rush of oxygen, strengthening your body. (remember that the pneumonia infection steals your oxygen both in your cells and by clogging your alveoli.

GARLIC

Need a great antimicrobial, virus killing, fungi slaughtering friend that will also keep vampires away? Garlic is your new best friend. And when we say “garlic” we mean fresh, “you just peeled it” kinda garlic. It will help fight the pathogens in your body, reduce your body temperature a bit, and helps get the mucus out of your chest and lungs. Members can visit the Member Only Pages to find more tips on garlic.

CAYENNE PEPPER

Cayenne pepper is all about the mucus my friends! It’s got the highest concentration of capsaicin, and helps get the muk out of your respiratory passages. Perfect for clearing you up and clearing it out!

LEMON JUICE

You knew we’d throw lemon water in the mix didn’t you? Members can read more about the healing benefits of lemon water in our Member Only Pages. Lemon juice helps to balance your pH levels, has antibacterial properties, immune boosting, temperature reducing goodness, plus has vitamin C. Drinking warm lemon water with a squeeze of honey several times a day is recommended for anyone with pneumonia.

Our goal is to ensure your immune system is so strong, no pathogens can touch it, and that starts with a clean, nutrient dense whole food diet. Your body is beautifully made, and when we take care of our bodies, illness can become less and less of a concern. This is what eating to live is all about… and we love it!