Pneumonia is on the rise – here’s everything you need to stay prepared

Have you or your little one just been diagnosed with pneumonia? This nasty respiratory illness still hospitalises thousands of people in the UK each year. Babies, the over-65s, and those with heart or lung conditions are particularly at risk of becoming seriously unwell with pneumonia and may require hospital care.

Pneumonia is serious because it’s a lung infection that causes the air sacs to fill with fluid, significantly impairing oxygen exchange which makes breathing difficult. It can lead to complications like respiratory failure, so learning how to spot and manage pneumonia early with some home remedies can help you or your loved one to avoid a hospital visit and prevent a long and difficult recovery.

Even though pneumonia can be very serious, it’s important to stay calm and not panic straight away. If you have the milder form known as ‘walking pneumonia,’ you might even feel well enough to go about your daily routine without realising you’re that unwell. In many cases the symptoms of pneumonia can be managed at home and most people will be out of the woods and feeling well again in 2-4 weeks.

Though pneumonia spikes during flu season, it can develop all year round, so staying alert and aware of the symptoms, supporting your immune system, and knowing how to manage recovery can help to protect your health and prevent hospitalisation.

In this blog I talk about what to look out for, when to seek medical attention, and natural ways to support recovery from pneumonia, as well as ways to protect against future infections.

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What exactly is pneumonia?

During the Victorian era, pneumonia was the leading cause of death due to an infection and the third leading cause of death overall. It can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can even become life-threatening. It is most dangerous for children under the age of two and older adults over the age of 65. People living with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis are at a higher risk for pneumonia.

Pneumonia leads to inflamed air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms such as:

Cough (sometimes producing yellow, green, rust-coloured or even bloody phlegm)
Fever, mild chills, and sweating
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Extreme tiredness and weakness
Chest pain, especially when breathing deeply or coughing
You or your child may have lost your appetite

Seek medical support if you develop any of the following:

You have been coughing for 3 weeks or more
You are coughing up blood
You have chest pain that comes and goes, or the pain comes when breathing or coughing
You are feeling short of breath

Call 999 emergency services if:

You are struggling to breathe or if you are choking, gasping and unable to speak
You or your child have pale, blue-tinged or blotchy skin, lips or fingertips
You suddenly feel confused or dizzy
You cannot wake your baby, and they feel floppy

Mild cases of infectious pneumonia can sometimes resolve without medical intervention, especially in young, healthy people. However, it’s not something to take lightly, and if symptoms become severe or do not improve over time it’s important to seek medical help. Some pneumonia sufferers report long extended recoveries after the pneumonia has passed, including lasting difficulties with exhaustion, brain fog, chest pain, and breathlessness.

In all cases, rest, hydration, and good nutrition are critical components of recovery.

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungal infections as well as via aspiration of substances into the lungs.

Infectious causes

Bacterial pneumonia is generally more common and severe than viral pneumonia. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common and severe bacterial cause, although Mycoplasma pneumoniae known as an atypical pneumonia is becoming increasingly common in recent years. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the mildest form of bacterial pneumonia and may lead to walking pneumonia, so mild that it’s often mistaken for the common cold. Bacterial pneumonia is routinely treated with antibiotics.

Although more than 20 different viruses have been linked to viral pneumonia, the flu is the most prevalent cause. It may also come from Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or Coronavirus, and in such cases, the pneumonia will be left to run its course as antiviral medications have not been found to be effective treatments.

Fungal pneumonia is rarer and can develop from mould exposure in damp or water-damaged houses or can stem from a fungal infection in immune-compromised people. With the increase in awareness about mould-related disease, this is something to be explored if you spend time in a musty or damp environment. If this sounds like you or your child, you can learn about natural approaches to mycotoxin illness in this article on black mould.

Aspiration pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia is usually bacterial and happens when food, saliva, liquids or vomit is inadvertently inhaled into the lungs instead of travelling to the stomach. People most at risk for this type of pneumonia include people who drink high levels of alcohol or take recreational drugs; have epilepsy or a seizure disorder; have difficulty swallowing or coughing; elderly people in nursing homes; or after a general anaesthetic.

Untreated aspiration pneumonia can lead to complications like sepsis, respiratory failure, or chronic lung damage and always seek medical advice.

Pneumonia self-care essentials

Here are some practical day-to-day things you can do to ease the symptoms, manage your recuperation, repair your lungs and help you regain your strength and vitality.

Rest

Rest is non-negotiable during recovery from pneumonia. So, it is a good excuse to start a new TV series box set or download, or to spend some time in bed. Build up your activity levels slowly whilst recuperating, and don’t overdo it too quickly otherwise you may start to feel grotty again.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and bone broths to stay hydrated. This helps to keep the mucus in the lungs thin and watery and will help you to breathe more easily with less coughing.

Breathing exercises

Gentle breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lip breathing, can help improve lung capacity and reduce shortness of breath. Take steamy baths and use a humidifier to help open your airways and ease your breathing.

Avoid respiratory irritants

Stay away from smoking, vaping, wood smoke, strong scents, and household cleaners that can irritate your lungs. Instead, opt for natural cleaning products and ensure good indoor air quality with a HEPA air filter.

Immune-supporting foods and supplements

While conventional medicine plays a key role in treating pneumonia, natural remedies and supplements can complement medical care to aid recovery and bolster the immune system. Certain vitamins and minerals are particularly helpful in managing respiratory infections:

Vitamin C

High-dose vitamin C can act as an antioxidant repairing damaged lung cells and can support the overall immune system. Several studies have found that taking prioritising a high intake of vitamin C can help with recovery from infectious pneumonia. Oranges, lemon juice, kiwi fruit, pineapple, raw bell peppers, parsley and strawberries all contain good levels of vitamin C.

How much? The upper tolerable limit for vitamin C when unwell is 400mg for age 1-3 years, 650mg for 4-8 years, 1,200mg for 9-13 years, 1,800mg for 14-18 years and 2,000mg for age 19 plus.

Vitamin D

Known to modulate the immune system and act as a natural steroid, vitamin D can reduce the severity of respiratory infections. Aim for safe sun exposure in the summer and the NHS recommends you supplement during the winter months from October to March. Foods containing some vitamin D include fish, outdoor-reared meat, organic whole milk and some mushrooms.

How much? When unwell you can take more vitamin D than the RDA especially during mid-winter (but for no longer than 6-8 weeks at the higher dose unless you are testing blood levels regularly). The maximum vitamin D dose is 1,000iu for age 0-6 months, 1,500iu for 7-12 months, 2,500iu for age 1-3 years, 3,000iu for 4-8 years, 4,000iu for 9-18 years plus, and the same for adults.

Zinc

Essential for immune health, bolstering zinc levels may shorten the duration of infections and help with overall recovery from severe pneumonia. Zinc can also function as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant to the lung tissue. Shellfish, fish, meat, dairy, pumpkin seeds, lentils, and chickpeas all contain good levels of zinc and can support the body’s ability to fight infections. Whilst unwell and recuperating and if the appetite is low or sense of smell/taste are blunted, then consider a supplement.

How much? It is ok to take more zinc than the RDA when unwell and whilst recovering from a significant infection. The upper tolerable limit for zinc is 4 mg from birth to 6 months, 5mg for 7-12 months, 7mg for 1-3 years old and 12mg for 4–8-year-olds. Remember, the zinc requirement whilst going through prepuberty and puberty is much higher than usual. So the maximum is 23mg per day for 9–13-year-olds and 34mg for 14–18-year-olds. Adults can have up to 40mg zinc a day.

N Acetyl Cysteine

An amino acid with immune supportive properties which has been used in Asia to help with a variety of viral and bacterial infections, as well as help the body fight pneumonia. It also appears to decrease levels of the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 and has other anti-inflammatory effects. It raises glutathione levels in the body which is our master antioxidant which helps with tissues and lung repair from infection.

How much? The NICE guidelines in the UK suggest NAC be given as follows: Children aged 2–11 years, 200mg 3 times a day. Ages 12–17 years 200-400mg, 3 times a day. Adults can take 600mg 3 times a day.

Herbal and other natural remedies

Herbs can provide additional respiratory support and perk you up quite a bit. Here are some of my favourites:

Elderberry

Elderberry comes in syrups and capsules and has antiviral properties. It helps to reduce the cell damage from an infection and is best given at the first sign of a viral infection. Research has found it is helpful in soothing the symptoms of viral pneumonia.

Echinacea

This traditional herbal remedy has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought to inactivate bacterial and viral infections and reverse lung inflammation and damage to the cells in the lungs. It is suitable to be taken as a tea, tincture or capsule for people over 12 years old only.

Thyme

Thyme is a lovely culinary herb that you may well have growing in your garden. Thyme acts as a natural expectorant to help clear mucus and to help with the cough. It can be drunk as a tea, used as an essential oil, or given as a tincture or capsule.

Turmeric

This bright yellow spice contains curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound which helps to dampen down the cytokine storm from the lung infection. Combine turmeric with black pepper for better absorption. Taking Turmeric root infused in a tea or given as a supplement has been found to be helpful when recuperating from severe pneumonia. My top tip is to store turmeric root in the freezer and grate it into drinks and food.

Ginger

Ginger root contains antimicrobial properties and may be helpful in your armoury for preventing and supporting pneumonia, whether it is due to a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Slice or grate ginger root into hot water, soups or stir fries. Combine with lemon and honey to soothe the throat. Again store ginger in the freezer so you always have some handy.

Friendly bacteria

A healthy gut microbiome supports overall immunity and may help recuperation from pneumonia via the gut-lung microbiome axis. Friendly bacterial strains are thought to have an immunomodulatory effect on pneumonia infections and reduce inflammation. In one study supplementation with a mix of probiotics strains for 10 days in people infected with COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia, significantly reduced their inflammatory markers.

Be proactive and include probiotic-rich foods in your diet including live yoghurt, kefir, miso, apple cider vinegar, kimchi and sauerkraut, or take a quality live bacteria supplement. Friendly bacteria supplement strains can be taken alongside the antibiotics, but give them at a different time from the antibiotics where possible such as before bed.

Round up

Whether it is your baby who has pneumonia, yourself or your elderly parent, recovering from pneumonia usually requires a blend of medical care and natural support. Lifestyle changes, nutrition and targeted supplements can help accelerate recovery and fortify the body against future illness. With rest, hydration, and a nutrient-rich diet, your body can repair and restore itself efficiently. You might find relief from some supplements and give your immune system the tonic it needs.

If you or one of your loved ones need 1 to 1 support to get your immune system and lung function back on track after back to back infections or a nasty bout of pneumonia, then get in touch with our NatureDoc clinical team to work together.

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