Pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection that can be very difficult to cope with. Home remedies cannot cure pneumonia, so it’s important you get to a doctor immediately. However, natural remedies can ease some of the symptoms of pneumonia you might be suffering from. Reducing the symptoms of pneumonia like a persistent cough, runny nose and sore throat can make it easier for you to get through the day. Here are a few tried and tested home remedies for treating the symptoms of pneumonia.
For A Bad Cough
Coughing when you have pneumonia isn’t necessarily a bad thing because it helps get the mucus out of your throat. However, long bouts of racking coughs can be painful and give you a sore throat. These simple treatments can help reduce the intensity of your coughs.
1. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is one of the best drinks you can sip on when you have pneumonia. It decongests your airways and helps prevent mucus buildups. Drinking something hot can also help soothe your inflamed throat. You can buy peppermint tea bags from a store or make your own if you have fresh peppermint leaves. To make peppermint tea, all you need to do is chop up some mint or peppermint leaves and steep it in boiling water for about 5 minutes. Strain the leaves, add a squeeze of lemon and enjoy this calming tea.
2. Saltwater Gargle
A saltwater gargle is one of the oldest remedies for a bad cough, but that’s only because it really does work. Saltwater can reduce the infection in your throat, preventing it from becoming irritated. To make a saltwater gargle, all you need to do is add ½ teaspoon of salt to warm water and gargle with this solution for about 15 seconds. Repeat this at least three times a day. If you want quicker results, suck on some sea salt throughout the day.
For The Chills
One of the worst parts about having pneumonia is getting the chills. Chills are caused by internal factors, so no amount of sweaters you wear will make any difference. Chills can last for up to a week and stop when your fever comes down. Here are a few remedies that can help warm you up from the inside.
1. Hot Soup
Chicken soup really is the best meal when you’re down with pneumonia. Drinking hot soup is easy on your stomach, which might not be able to handle heavier foods when you’re sick. It also helps replenish vital fluids in your body, so you don’t get dehydrated. Drinking something hot can help warm you up, so you don’t get the chills for a while.
2. Hot Water
Like soup, hot water also helps warm you up from the inside.Sipping on hot water through the day also prevents you from getting dehydrated, which is a real danger when you have pneumonia. Bonus points if you add a teaspoon of honey into it, which can help soothe your throat.
For A Fever
Most people develop a fever within the first few days of getting pneumonia. This fever lasts for about a week until it breaks. Your doctor will give you medication to bring down the fever, however, there are things you can do to help as well.
1. Make A Compress
Most people use a cold towel for a compress, but doing this can shock your body. The sudden temperature change might cause you to break out in chills. A lukewarm compress is much more effective and provides a more gradual temperature change for your body. To make a compress, all you need to do is soak a towel in some lukewarm water, wring it out and place this on your forehead. Repeat how many ever times you need it.
2. Eat Spicy Food
Although being sick is usually associated with eating bland boring food, this is the complete opposite of what you should be doing. Eating spicy food can help break your fever and even decongest your airways. Cayenne pepper is especially effective at lowering your temperature. One of its main components, capsaicin, makes you sweat and promotes blood circulation.
