Pneumonia is a lung infection which can be caused by bacteria or a virus. Younger kids are more at risk as their immune systems have not fully developed. In most cases, pneumonia will usually happen after a kid has had a cold.
Even though your child may be uncomfortable, treatment is usually straightforward and can be done at home. In this post, we will take a look at how to cure pneumonia naturally at home.
Symptoms
The symptoms are quite similar to the common cold and the flu, but they vary from child to child. Things to look out for include:
- High fever
- Breathing problems
- Pain in the chest
- Cough
- Irritability
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is essential to get a check-up as soon as possible. Bacterial pneumonia will usually be treated with a course of antibiotics, but they won’t work for viral pneumonia.
Immunizations act as the frontline defense against certain kinds of infections, but most young children will still be at risk. If your child gets pneumonia, then these natural home treatments can help them get over the infection.
Hygiene As Prevention
One of the best ways to protect your kids against pneumonia is by promoting good hygiene habits at home. As germs usually cause the infection, kids should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly, avoid sharing cutlery and glasses, and use tissues to blow their noses. It is also a great idea to sanitize toys, door handles, and other surfaces on a regular basis.
Lots of Rest
Getting lots of bed rest is one of nature’s best methods to cure most illnesses. Keep your little ones off school and ensure that they get plenty of extra sleep. Try placing an extra pillow under older kids heads while they are resting, which can help with drainage and allow them to sleep better. The extra sleep will boost the immune system to fight off the infection.
Use Humidifiers
Keeping the air moist makes it easier for your child to breathe while also helping to soothe any irritation in the lungs.
Drink Lots of Fluids
It is important that kids of all ages remain hydrated during their recovery. Offer younger kids small sips of water throughout the day. The same goes for babies, continue to offer breastmilk or formula during the day.
Natural Remedies
Raw honey, lemon, and ginger have outstanding anti-inflammatory qualities and be turned into a refreshing warm drink for older kids.
Another thing you can do for kids of all ages is to use lukewarm compresses or giving them a bath in lukewarm water. Both of these methods will help to regulate your child’s temperature, making them feel a little more comfortable.
Next Steps
Once treatment has begun, you should notice an improvement within a few days. However, it is essential to monitor your child’s symptoms continuously. If they don’t start improving or get worse, then contact the doctor immediately.