Although medical treatment is essential, home remedies can help a person manage the symptoms and improve their comfort levels when they are not in the hospital.
Factors that increase the risk Trusted Source of pneumonia include:
being under 5 or over 65 years of age
having exposure to tobacco smoke and air pollution
having asthma
having a weakened immune system
having other medical conditions, including COVID-19
In this article, learn more about the causes, symptoms, and home remedies associated with pneumonia and its effects.
Causes and symptoms
Pneumonia can occur for various reasons. For example, it often develops due to another illness or infection, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the flu, or COVID-19.
When a person’s immune system is healthy, their body can often prevent severe infections.
However, if bacteria, fungi, or viruses overwhelm the immune system, a more serious illness can result.
The most common symptoms of pneumonia include:
a cough
shortness of breath
chest pain
a fever
chills
fatigue and muscle aches
a headache due to a persistent cough
Home remedies for pneumonia symptoms
Depending on the cause of pneumonia, a doctor will prescribe medication to treat the infection.
During recovery, they will also recommend:
getting plenty of rest
eating nutritious foods
drinking lots of fluids
Antibiotics are effective in treating pneumonia. However, certain home remedies can help ease the symptoms while you are recovering from this disease.
Cough
If the lungs are producing extra mucus as part of an immune reaction, the body will use a cough to try to expel this fluid from the lungs. For this reason, a doctor may not recommend using a cough suppressant.
However, some natural methods may help reduce the severity of a cough, including:
Peppermint, eucalyptus, and fenugreek tea
Many warm herbal teas can help soothe a scratchy throat, but herbs may be more beneficial.
A 2011 study found that herbs, including peppermint and eucalyptus, had a soothing effect on the throats of people with upper respiratory tract infections. These herbs may help break up mucus and ease the pain and inflammation caused by pneumonia.
A review from 2018 notes that fenugreek seeds might help break down mucus. A tea made from ground fenugreek seeds may therefore ease a persistent cough.
Eucalyptus and tea tree oils may also help relieve coughs. People can use these in a diffuser. However, they should try limiting their exposure at first, to ensure that the use of oils does not worsen their symptoms.
A saltwater gargle
Mucus in the throat and chest can trigger more coughing and irritation. A warm saltwater gargle may help eliminate mucus or germs in the throat, which may provide some relief.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of respiratory infections. If a person has difficulty breathing, they need immediate medical attention.
However, if the symptoms are mild, the following tips may help:
Caffeine
Drinking a small amount of caffeine, such as a cup of coffee or black or green tea, may help open up the airways in the lungs. This could help a person breathe more easily.
Warm, damp air
Inhaling warm, damp air may ease breathing and keep the throat from tightening. Breathing in the steam from a shower or breathing over a warm cup of tea may help.
Lukewarm compress Cough
If the lungs are producing extra mucus as part of an immune reaction, the body will use a cough to try to expel this fluid from the lungs. For this reason, a doctor may not recommend using a cough suppressant.
However, some natural methods may help reduce the severity of a cough, including:
Peppermint, eucalyptus, and fenugreek tea
Many warm herbal teas can help soothe a scratchy throat, but herbs may be more beneficial.
A 2011 study found that herbs, including peppermint and eucalyptus, had a soothing effect on the throats of people with upper respiratory tract infections. These herbs may help break up mucus and ease the pain and inflammation caused by pneumonia.
A review from 2018 notes that fenugreek seeds might help break down mucus. A tea made from ground fenugreek seeds may therefore ease a persistent cough.
Eucalyptus and tea tree oils may also help relieve coughs. People can use these in a diffuser. However, they should try limiting their exposure at first, to ensure that the use of oils does not worsen their symptoms.
A saltwater gargle
Mucus in the throat and chest can trigger more coughing and irritation. A warm saltwater gargle may help eliminate mucus or germs in the throat, which may provide some relief.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of respiratory infections. If a person has difficulty breathing, they need immediate medical attention.
However, if the symptoms are mild, the following tips may help:
Caffeine
Drinking a small amount of caffeine, such as a cup of coffee or black or green tea, may help open up the airways in the lungs. This could help a person breathe more easily.
Warm, damp air
Inhaling warm, damp air may ease breathing and keep the throat from tightening. Breathing in the steam from a shower or breathing over a warm cup of tea may help.
If you have fever, apply a lukewarm compress on your forehead as it's effective in helping the body to cool down. This will gradually change the body temperature, making you feel better. • Wet a small towel in lukewarm water. • Wring out the excess water and place the towel on your forehead. • Repeat it till you feel slightly better.
Rest
Rest is vital for cellular repair in the body, but it may be especially beneficial for shortness of breath. A person with pneumonia may benefit from keeping physical exertion to a minimum.
Chest pain
Chest discomfort is a common symptom of pneumonia. The following remedies may help ease this symptom
Ginger or turmeric tea
A persistent cough can result in chest pain. Drinking warm tea made with fresh ginger or turmeric root may help reduce this pain.
The roots of both of these plants can have a natural anti-inflammatory effect in the body.
Chop up a thumb sized piece of either root and boil it in a pint or so of water. If a person prefers strong tea, they can boil it for longer or add more of the root. If the flavor is too sharp, they can try adding a spoonful of honey.
Rest is vital for cellular repair in the body, but it may be especially beneficial for shortness of breath. A person with pneumonia may benefit from keeping physical exertion to a minimum.
Chest pain
Chest discomfort is a common symptom of pneumonia. The following remedies may help ease this symptom
Ginger or turmeric tea
A persistent cough can result in chest pain. Drinking warm tea made with fresh ginger or turmeric root may help reduce this pain.
The roots of both of these plants can have a natural anti-inflammatory effect in the body.
Chop up a thumb sized piece of either root and boil it in a pint or so of water. If a person prefers strong tea, they can boil it for longer or add more of the root. If the flavor is too sharp, they can try adding a spoonful of honey.
Warm soup or warm water
Drink a bowl of soup as it will help soothe your inflamed throat and provide your body with essential nutrients. Also, you can drink warm water to bring relief from the swelling and irritation in the throat; it will help you stay hydrated too.
Fever
A person with pneumonia may also have a fever. As long as the fever is mild, a person may wish to use natural remedies to manage it.
If the fever is high or persistent, however, it is important to seek medical help. It could be a symptom of a severe infection.
The following remedies may help a mild fever:
Hydration
When a person has a fever, consuming liquids and electrolytes can help prevent dehydration. Drinking cool beverages or eating homemade ice popsicles may help hydrate the body and cool it down.
Fenugreek tea
As the 2018 review above notes, making tea from fenugreek seeds may encourage a person to sweat, which could reduce their temperature.
9. Over-the-counter pain relievers
Some over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), may help reduce fever and pain. It is important to take these medications with food and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Honey Fever
A person with pneumonia may also have a fever. As long as the fever is mild, a person may wish to use natural remedies to manage it.
If the fever is high or persistent, however, it is important to seek medical help. It could be a symptom of a severe infection.
The following remedies may help a mild fever:
Hydration
When a person has a fever, consuming liquids and electrolytes can help prevent dehydration. Drinking cool beverages or eating homemade ice popsicles may help hydrate the body and cool it down.
Fenugreek tea
As the 2018 review above notes, making tea from fenugreek seeds may encourage a person to sweat, which could reduce their temperature.
9. Over-the-counter pain relievers
Some over-the-counter drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), may help reduce fever and pain. It is important to take these medications with food and not exceed the recommended dosage.
Honey contains antimicrobial, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve the symptoms of pneumonia. • Have a spoonful of honey every night before you go to bed.
A lukewarm bath or compress
Soaking the body in lukewarm water may help cool it down.
If it is not possible to take a bath, apply towels or washcloths to the body after dunking them in lukewarm water and wringing them out. This may help the body cool. When the towels warm up, dip them in the water again and reapply.
Soaking the body in lukewarm water may help cool it down.
If it is not possible to take a bath, apply towels or washcloths to the body after dunking them in lukewarm water and wringing them out. This may help the body cool. When the towels warm up, dip them in the water again and reapply.
Chills
Chills are often a secondary symptom of a fever. The following home remedies may help ease chills:
11. Warm liquids
Drinking warm liquids may help warm the body up and prevent chills.
Some examples include:
warm water
herbal teas
a bowl of soup
Avoid sodas and consume either water or liquids that contain nutrients.
Some foods contain compounds may help boost the immune system, fight bacteria, and manage inflammation. These may help ease the symptoms of pneumonia more generally. For example:
12. Additional natural compounds
A number of at-home products contain compounds that may help boost the healing process. Examples include:
garlic
raw honey
cayenne pepper
tea tree oil
echinacea
t is not always possible to prevent pneumonia, but some lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of developing it or experiencing severe symptoms.
These include:
adopting a varied and healthful diet
getting regular exercise
not smoking
avoiding air pollution, if possible
managing stress levels and getting enough sleep
practicing good hand-washing to reduce the risk of infection
following any instructions the doctor recommends for staying healthy
Summary
Pneumonia can be life threatening and usually needs medical treatment.
Many people will need to spend time in the hospital, and it can take months to recover fully.
During the recovery period, some home treatments may help a person feel better and encourage their body to heal.
Chills are often a secondary symptom of a fever. The following home remedies may help ease chills:
11. Warm liquids
Drinking warm liquids may help warm the body up and prevent chills.
Some examples include:
warm water
herbal teas
a bowl of soup
Avoid sodas and consume either water or liquids that contain nutrients.
Some foods contain compounds may help boost the immune system, fight bacteria, and manage inflammation. These may help ease the symptoms of pneumonia more generally. For example:
12. Additional natural compounds
A number of at-home products contain compounds that may help boost the healing process. Examples include:
garlic
raw honey
cayenne pepper
tea tree oil
echinacea
t is not always possible to prevent pneumonia, but some lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of developing it or experiencing severe symptoms.
These include:
adopting a varied and healthful diet
getting regular exercise
not smoking
avoiding air pollution, if possible
managing stress levels and getting enough sleep
practicing good hand-washing to reduce the risk of infection
following any instructions the doctor recommends for staying healthy
Summary
Pneumonia can be life threatening and usually needs medical treatment.
Many people will need to spend time in the hospital, and it can take months to recover fully.
During the recovery period, some home treatments may help a person feel better and encourage their body to heal.
