HOMOEOPATHY FOR PNEUMONIA

PNEUMONIA

Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is a serious condition in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid. Lobar pneumonia affects one or more lobes of the lungs, where as bronchial pneumonia ( also known as bronchopneumonia ) affects patches throughout both lungs.

Pneumonia is defined as an acute respiratory illness associated with recently developed radiological pulmonary shadowing  which either is segmental or affects more than one lobe.

Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

CAUSES

Many germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good.

Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection.

Community-acquired pneumonia

Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. It may be caused by:

·         Bacteria. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae. This type of pneumonia can occur on its own or after you've had a cold or the flu. It may affect one part (lobe) of the lung, a condition called lobar pneumonia.

·         Bacteria-like organisms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae also can cause pneumonia. It typically produces milder symptoms than do other types of pneumonia. Walking pneumonia is an informal name given to this type of pneumonia, which typically isn't severe enough to require bed rest.

·         Fungi. This type of pneumonia is most common in people with chronic health problems or weakened immune systems, and in people who have inhaled large doses of the organisms. The fungi that cause it can be found in soil or bird droppings and vary depending upon geographic location.

·         Viruses. Some of the viruses that cause colds and the flu can cause pneumonia. Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children younger than 5 years. Viral pneumonia is usually mild. But in some cases it can become very serious.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia

Some people catch pneumonia during a hospital stay for another illness. Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be serious because the bacteria causing it may be more resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get it are already sick. People who are on breathing machines (ventilators), often used in intensive care units, are at higher risk of this type of pneumonia.

Health care-acquired pneumonia

Health care-acquired pneumonia is a bacterial infection that occurs in people who live in long-term care facilities or who receive care in outpatient clinics, including kidney dialysis centers. Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, health care-acquired pneumonia can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics.

Aspiration pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia occurs when you inhale food, drink, vomit or saliva into your lungs. Aspiration is more likely if something disturbs your normal gag reflex, such as a brain injury or swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs.

HISTOPATHOLOGY

LOBAR PNEUMONIA

Lobar pneumonia is diffuse consolidation involving the entire lobe of the lung. Its evolvement can be broken down into four stages as follows :

·         Congestion : This stage is characterized by grossly heavy and boggy appearing lung tissue, diffuse congestion, vascular engorgement , and the accumulation of alveolar fluid rich in infective organisms. There are few red blood cells and neutrophils at this stage.

·         Red hepatization : Marked infiltration of red blood cells, and fibrin into the alveolar fluids seen. Grossly, the lungs appear red and firm akin to a liver, hence the term hepatization.

·         Gray hepatization : The RBC break down and is associated with fibrinopurulent exudates causing a red to gray color transformation.

·         Resolution : Characterized by clearing of the exudates by resident macrophages with or without residual scar tissue formation.

BRONCHOPNEUMONIA

Bronchopneumonia is characterized by suppurative inflammation localized in patches around bronchi which may or may not be localized to a single lobe of the lung.

Very rarely, severe forms of pneumonia may result in the formation of lung abscess, a complete breakdown of tissue and formation of pus-filled pockets in focal areas of the lung. Also, the infection may spread to the pleural space forming  a fibrinopurulent exduate filling this space known as empyema.

SYMPTOMS

The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:

·         Chest pain when you breathe or cough

·         Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)

·         Cough, which may produce phlegm

·         Fatigue

·         Fever, sweating and shaking chills

·         Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems)

·         Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

·         Shortness of breath

Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating.

RISK FACTORS

Pneumonia can affect anyone. But the two age groups at highest risk are:

·         Children who are 2 years old or younger

·         People who are age 65 or older

Other risk factors include:

·         Being hospitalized. You're at greater risk of pneumonia if you're in a hospital intensive care unit, especially if you're on a machine that helps you breathe (a ventilator).

·         Chronic disease. You're more likely to get pneumonia if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease.

·         Smoking. Smoking damages your body's natural defenses against the bacteria and viruses that cause pneumonia.

·         Weakened or suppressed immune system. People who have HIV/AIDS/COVID 19, who've had an organ transplant, or who receive chemotherapy or long-term steroids are at risk.

COMPLICATIONS

Even with treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially those in high-risk groups, may experience complications, including:

·         Bacteria in the bloodstream (bacteremia). Bacteria that enter the bloodstream from your lungs can spread the infection to other organs, potentially causing organ failure.

·         Difficulty breathing. If your pneumonia is severe or you have chronic underlying lung diseases, you may have trouble breathing in enough oxygen. You may need to be hospitalized and use a breathing machine (ventilator) while your lung heals.

·         Fluid accumulation around the lungs (pleural effusion). Pneumonia may cause fluid to build up in the thin space between layers of tissue that line the lungs and chest cavity (pleura). If the fluid becomes infected, you may need to have it drained through a chest tube or removed with surgery.

·         Lung abscess. An abscess occurs if pus forms in a cavity in the lung. An abscess is usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery or drainage with a long needle or tube placed into the abscess is needed to remove the pus.

Prevention

To help prevent pneumonia:

·         Get vaccinated. Vaccines are available to prevent some types of pneumonia and the flu. Talk with your doctor about getting these shots. The vaccination guidelines have changed over time so make sure to review your vaccination status with your doctor even if you recall previously receiving a pneumonia vaccine.

·         Make sure children get vaccinated. Doctors recommend a different pneumonia vaccine for children younger than age 2 and for children ages 2 to 5 years who are at particular risk of pneumococcal disease. Children who attend a group child care center should also get the vaccine. Doctors also recommend flu shots for children older than 6 months.

·         Practice good hygiene. To protect yourself against respiratory infections that sometimes lead to pneumonia, wash your hands regularly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

·         Don't smoke. Smoking damages your lungs' natural defenses against respiratory infections.

·         Keep your immune system strong. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

Diagnosis

If pneumonia is suspected, the following tests are  recommend :

·         Blood tests. Blood tests are used to confirm an infection and to try to identify the type of organism causing the infection. However, precise identification isn't always possible.

·         Chest X-ray. This helps your doctor diagnose pneumonia and determine the extent and location of the infection. However, it can't tell your doctor what kind of germ is causing the pneumonia.

·         Pulse oximetry. This measures the oxygen level in your blood. Pneumonia can prevent your lungs from moving enough oxygen into your bloodstream.

·         Sputum test. A sample of fluid from your lungs (sputum) is taken after a deep cough and analyzed to help pinpoint the cause of the infection.

·         CT scan. If your pneumonia isn't clearing as quickly as expected, your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan to obtain a more detailed image of your lungs.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When pneumonia  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

FERRUM PHOSPHORICUM —A remedy for the first stage of pneumonia. Fever. Hard, dry cough with sore throat. Cough, better at night. Bleeding from lungs in pneumonia after concussion or fall. Face flushed, cheeks hot and sore. Pneumonia of children. Ferrum phos is also suitable in the later stages of pneumonia.

BRYONIA ALB— Difficult, quick, respiration with stitching pain in chest, worse by movement. Fever accompanied by chills.  Cough dry, hard , and painful, the patient hold the chest because of the severe pain during coughing. Cough worse after eating or drinking with vomiting and stitches in chest. Coming into warm room excites cough. Expectoration of rust colored streaked with blood. Right lung is affected. Bryonia alb is more suitable to pneumonia of elderly.  Mouth and tongue dry with excessive thirst. Tongue coated yellowish, dark, brown. Taste bitter. Bryonia alb is more suitable to pneumonia of elderly.

IPECAUANHA. –Difficulty in breathing and constriction in chest. Cough incessant and violent with every breath. Wheezing cough. Bubbling rales. Loose , coarse rattle in chest without expectoration. Sometimes expectoration is bloody. Suffocative cough , child becomes stiff and blue in the face.  Continuous nausea.  Pneumonia accompanied by  persistent nausea and vomiting. Tongue clean, not coated. Pneumonia of children.

ANTIMONIUM TARTARICUM.—Great rattling of mucus in chest , but very little is expectorated. Bronchial tubes loaded with mucus. Rapid, short, difficult breathing. Feels as if would suffocate, must sit up.  Coughing and gasping. Expectoration very thick. Face pale, covetred with cold sweat, incessant quivering of chin and jaw.

ARSENIC ALBUM.—Suffocation. -Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath.Whistling, wheezing respiration. Unable to lie down, fears suffocation,  must sit up. Expectoration scanty and frothy. Cough with bloody sputum. Darting pain through upper third of right lung. Great anxiety and restlessness. Thirst often, but little.

NATRUM SUPLPHURICUM.—Delayed resolution in pneumonia. Cough with thick, ropy, greenish, copious  expectoration. Must hold chest when coughing. Springs up in the bed the cough hurts so, holds painful side. Brown, bitter, coating on tongue.

PHOSPHORUS.—Pneumonia of left lower lung. Pneumonia with oppression, worse lying on left side, worse least motion. Congestion of lungs. Tight suffocative breathing, worse cough. Hard, dry, racking cough. Sputa rusty, blood –colored or purulent.

VERATRUM VIRIDE.—Pneumonia with extreme congestion of lungs. Difficult breathing. Slow , and heavy breathing, as of a load on chest. Pneumonia with faint feeling in stomach and violent congestion.  Nausea and vomiting. Violent cough from very start.

CHELIDONIUM MAJUS —Respiratory symptoms with liver liver symptoms. Very quick and short inspirations, pain on deep inspiration. Pressive pain in chest on deep inspiration. Cough with rattling, but little expectorationor it flies from mouth.  Fan like motion of the alae nasi.Tongue yellow with imprint of teeth.  Pain under the corner of right shoulder blade is a sure indication for the use of Chelidonium. Patient prefer hot food and drinks.

SULPHUR 200- Used when exudation sets in. Prevents formation of undissolved patches and also cure them.

TUBERCULINUM 1000- Broncho pneumonia of children. Hard hacking cough. Profuse sweat and loss of weight. Rales all over the chest.

LOBELIA INFLATA –Difficulty in breathing from constriction of chest. Cramp, ringing cough, short breath, catching at throat. Mercurial taste in mouth. Tongue white, charged with a thick coating, on right side only.

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