Acute inflammation of the lung parenchyma distal to the terminal bronchioles (consisting of the respiratory bronchiole, alveolar ducts, alveolar sac and alveoli).
Consolidation (solidification) is the term used for gross and radiologic appearance of the lungs in pneumonia.
Pathogenesis of Pneumonia –
The microorganisms gain entry into the lungs by one of the following 4 routes –
- Inhalation of the microbes present in the air.
- Aspiration of organisms from nasopharynx/oropharynx.
- Haematogenous spread from a distant focus of infection.
- Direct spread from an adjoining site of infection.
Etiological Classification of Pneumonia –
Bacterial Pneumonia | Viral and Mycoplasmal Pneumonia | Fungal Pneumonia | Non-infective Pneumonia |
Lobar pneumonia | Primary atypical pneumonia | Pneumocystis pneumonia | Aspiration (inhalation) pneumonia |
Bronchopneumonia (lobular pneumonia) | Others | Hypostatic pneumonia | |
Legionella pneumonia (Legionnaire’s Disease) | Lipid pneumonia |
Treatment for pneumonia involves curing the infection and preventing complications. People who have community-acquired pneumonia usually can be treated at home with homeopathic medication. Although most symptoms ease in a few days or weeks, the feeling of tiredness can persist for a month or more.
Homeopathic treatments depend on the type and severity of your pneumonia, your age and your overall health. The options include:
Antimonium Tartaricum
Its therapeutic action has been confined, largely to the treatment of respiratory diseases, rattling of mucus with little expectoration has been a guiding symptom. Great rattling of mucus, but very little is expectorated. Velvety feeling with burning sensation in the chest.
Rapid, short, difficult breathing; seems as if he would suffocate; must sit up. Bronchial tubes overloaded with mucus. Cough excited by eating, with pain in the chest and larynx; pneumonia. Dizziness with cough and dyspnea better by lying on the right side.
- Hoarseness
- Tachycardia
- Dyspnea
- Whooping cough
Bromium
Most marked effects are seen in the respiratory symptoms, especially in the larynx and trachea (pneumonia). Sense of suffocation and great weakness. Dry cough with hoarseness and burning pain in chest. Spasmodic cough, with rattling of mucus in the larynx; suffocative. Croup after febrile symptoms have subsided.
Violent, cramping pain in chest. Chest pain runs upward. Every inspiration provokes cough. Difficult and painful breathing. Bronchial tubes feels filled with smoke.
- Hoarseness
- Spasmodic cough
- Constriction
- Croup
Iodium
Weakness and loss of breath on going upstairs. Pneumonia, rapid extension. Acute affections of the respiratory organs. Hoarse, raw and tickling feeling, provoking a dry cough. Child grasps throat when coughing. Right sided pneumonia with high temperature.
Hepatization spreads rapidly with persistent high temperature; absence of pain in spite of great involvement, worse warmth; craves cool air. Great weakness in the chest.
- Palpitations
- Laryngitis
- Croup
Kalium Carbonicum
Especially for soft pulse, coldness, general depression and characteristic stitches, which may be felt in any part of the body. Sensitive to every atmospheric change and intolerance of cold weather.
Cutting pain in the chest; worse lying on the right side. Dry, hard cough around 3 a.m. with stitching pain and dryness of the pharynx. The entire chest is very sensitive. Scanty and tenacious sputum, but increasing in the morning and after evening.
- Hoarseness
- Aphonia
- Wheezing
Phosphorus
Great susceptibility to external impressions, to light, sound, odors, touch, etc. Hoarseness; worse evenings. Sweetish taste while coughing. Pain in throat while coughing. Tightness across chest; great weight on chest.
Sharp stitches in chest; respiration quickened, oppressed. Pneumonia with oppression; worse lying on the left side.
- Hemoptysis
- Hoarseness
- Bronchitis
- Dyspnea
What you can do in the meantime?
You may be admitted to the intensive care unit if you need to be placed on a breathing machine (ventilator) or if your symptoms are severe.
To avoid making your condition worse:
- Don’t smoke or be around smoke
- Drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest
If you have a chronic or complicated condition it is best to see a qualified homeopath rather than trying to treat it yourself. Homeopaths will take into consideration many other factors which cannot be done in a first-aid situation.
Of course it’s important to say that you should always consult your physician in case of serious illness or injury.