Bacterial infection in lungs is more popularly known as pneumonia. It is the inflammation accompanied with irritation and swelling of the lungs. This is due to the presence of fluid or pus in a particular section of the lungs or the formation of patches in lungs resulting to the interference of oxygen inhalation. The symptoms of bacterial infection in lungs include:
What Causes a Lung Infection
Bacterial lung infection is common with those who smoke regularly. It is also common in those who live and work in a stuffy atmosphere and those who use medication to suppress earlier diseases.
Symptoms Of Bacterial Infection In Lungs
- Fever
- Sudden chills
- Dry cough
- Greenish sputum with blood specks
- Sputum with foul smell
- Sharp chest pains
- Shortness of breath especially while engaging in activities
- Pain in the abdominal area
- Shallow breathing
- Unexplained fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Headache and nausea
Prevention Tips
- Smoking should be completely stopped as it declines lung function and increases possibility of lung infection.
- Physiotherapy should be encouraged as this is very beneficial in this condition. It helps induce relaxation of cervical muscles.
- Regular mild exercise has also been shown to increase mobility, even in severely disabled persons with infected lungs.
- Try to be in clean healthy atmosphere, free of dust, smoke and dampness.
- Adequate control of atmospheric pollution in the area will also help in prevention.
- Prompt treatment of recurrent broncho-pulmonary infections help in prevention of disease.
Even in established cases, implementation of these measures help in preventing further deterioration of lung function.
Lung Infection Remedies
One important detail about treatment for bacterial infection in lungs is that it cannot be treated at home. You need to contact a pulmonologist or a medical expert to handle your lung situation. Bacterial lung infections can only be applied with home remedies if the symptoms are not yet severe. But if the condition is already accompanied with several symptoms mentioned earlier, you should go to the doctor for proper treatment. Usually bacterial infection in lungs is treated with antibiotics coupled with rest, fresh air, and proper nutrition. You can apply these following home remedies:
- Drink a cup of tea made of spices such as ginger tea. You can also prepare cardamoms, ginger, cinnamon, peppercorns, a tablespoon of fenugreek seed, and three cloves of garlic. Boil these spices with two cups of water and drink it thrice a day, drink while it is still hot to get the desired results.
- Get a piece of garlic clove and pound it well to extract its juice. Swallow it with warm water every night.
- Keep your body warm and avoid cold areas.
- Stay away from air polluted areas.
- Half a teaspoon of ginger powder, pepper and cloves are mixed and they should be taken thrice a day for bacterial lung infection.
- Basil leaves, ginger and black pepper should be taken in equal quantity and boiled in 50ml of water. This water should be boiled till it is reduced to 25ml. This should be taken three to four times during the day.
- Licorice roots should be chewed over a period of few hours, it gives immunity to fight against bacterial lung infection.
- Mix thoroughly one half teaspoon of pure turmeric powder in a cup of warm milk and this should be taken twice a day. This effectively checks the cough of bacterial origin. This should be continued for 15 days at least.
- An infusion is prepared from a teaspoon each of linseed and sesame seeds and a little of salt and add one teaspoon of honey. This should be taken once at night till symptoms subside.