Walking Pneumonia Symptoms, Treatment and Home Remedies

Walking Pneumonia and Symptoms

Walking pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by the bacteria mycoplasma pneumoniae. This group of bacteria is highly virulent and requires a course of strong antibiotics in order to be treated successfully. Mycoplasma pneumoniae hamper the production of mucus and thereby compromise the body’s natural immune system severely. Since the white blood cells responsible for defending the body against the invasion of germs can only function in the medium of mucus, these bacteria render the defenses of the body weak and ineffective. On entering the system, they start feeding on the mucus secretions and multiply at a very fast rate. Thus, once the bacteria have invaded the body through the nose and the mouth, they affect the pharynx, then the bronchial tubes and finally the lungs. The symptoms of this condition are very similar to those of common cold so many patients do not even realize that they have been infected by the mycoplasma bacteria. The patient usually suffers from symptoms like coughing, runny nose, chest congestion and sore throat. If left untreated for a long time, the symptoms may worsen and the patient may have to be hospitalized.

Home Remedies For Walking Pneumonia

Since this disease is highly contagious, you should stay away from people who have the symptoms of a cold and sneeze frequently. Also, you should cover up your own mouth and nose with disposable tissue paper whenever you sneeze. You should also include condiments like ginger, garlic and peppers in your food in order to improve your immunity against germs. While the strong chemicals present in ginger and garlic have natural antibacterial properties, peppers enhance the body’s ability to absorb vital nutrients and stimulate the production of mucus, which helps trap germs and heal infections naturally. While the infection lasts, avoid bathing in cold water. You may sponge your body with a soft towel soaked in lukewarm water. While resting or sleeping, prop up your pillows so that your body is in an inclined position. This helps relieve the chest congestion and difficulty in breathing. Inhaling steam from a tub of boiling water is also a simple and effective natural means of softening the mucus and relieving nasal and chest congestion. For better results, you should add a few drops of tea tree oil to the steaming water and then breathe in the fumes for 10-15 minutes. This will help expel the infection causing bacteria with the sputum coughed out of the mouth.