PNEUMONIA

Symptoms
• Breathlessness even when resting.
• Fever with alternate sweats and chills.
• Cough that produces yellow or green sputum. When the chest is listened to, there may be an absence of breathing sounds, or there may be wheezing or crackling sounds.
Causes
Pneumonia occurs when an infection of the upper airway spreads deep into the lung tissue and invades the alveoli. It may develop from a cold virus, but it is usually caused by bacteria, especially pneumococcal bacteria. Other, more obscure sources of infection are carried by mycoplasma and rickettsia (microorganisms). Pneumonia may be associated with immunodeficiency disorders, in which case unusual fungi or protozoa may be responsible. Pneumocystis pneumonia— common among AIDS sufferers—is an example of this. People taking inflammatory or immunosuppressive drugs long-term, or who smoke, are more likely to develop pneumonia than those who do not. The disease may also be caused by inhaling liquids or poisonous gases such as chlorine.
Conventional care
Diagnosis is by examination, chest X-ray, blood test, and sputum test, whereby a culture is grown in a laboratory. Patients with lobar pneumonia were once said to heal “by lysis or crisis” within five days. That is to say, the disease came to a head and then abated, or death followed from respiratory failure. Modern drugs enable recovery from pneumonia within about two weeks unless the patient is debilitated or old. In severe cases, oxygen therapy or artificial ventilation may be necessary.
Homeopathic medicine
In the initial stages of mild, viral pneumonia, treatment by an experienced homeopathic physician may be beneficial. With recurrent pneumonia, constitutional homeopathic treatment is certainly advisable in addition to conventional treatment. A person’s specific symptoms will largely determine constitutional prescription , but certain remedies have an affinity with the lungs. Arsen. alb. is prescribed for bronchial constriction; while Bacillinum may be used for those with respiratory problems in whom chronic catarrh may easily give rise to infection, such as the elderly. Calc. carb. is effective for complications arising out of restrictions in the movement of the rib cage; and either Pulsatilla or Phosphorus may be used to treat irritation of the mucous membranes lining the respiratory tract.
In acute cases of pneumonia, Aconite may be prescribed if the onset is sudden, particularly in cold, dry weather, and there is chest pain, fever, anxiety, and a fear of dying. Phosphorus is given for a cough producing rust-colored sputum, with weakness, trembling, nervousness, and numb extremities, and symptoms that are worse for lying on the left side. Bryonia is prescribed for chest pain that is worse for the slightest movement but better for lying on the affected side.
Lifestyle
Plenty of vitamin C, which can also be taken as a preventative measure, and a good deal of rest, preferably sitting up in bed, are beneficial. Since dry air tends to make pneumonia worse, rooms should be humidified. Inhalations of steam or herbs such as echinacea may help. The diet should ideally be low in refined carbohydrates and include plenty of fluids. It is advisable not to smoke. Manipulation by an osteopath or a physiotherapist may help to clear the lungs of sputum.
CASE HISTORY
Fiona, a 38-year-old dental technician, suffered from whooping cough at age six, and had a history of recurrent pneumonia. She was also a migraine sufferer. The pneumonia would be heralded by a sudden drop in energy levels, cold sweats and shakiness, constipation, a characteristic cough, and the production of sputum.
PERSONAL DETAILS
Of medium build and slightly plump, Fiona described herself as having a quick temper and being overemotional, crying easily when angry or frustrated. She craved sympathy and reassurance, especially when unwell, and hated being alone. She had a high sex drive, which was based more on an emotional than a physical need.
FOOD PREFERENCES
Fiona had a strong craving for sweets, especially before a migraine or attack of pneumonia. Even when she had a fever, she was not thirsty. She had an intolerance of, and an aversion to, anything fatty, although she liked butter and cream. She disliked warm foods and drinks. Rich foods, ice cream, and pork gave her indigestion.
GENERAL DETAILS
Fiona preferred hot weather, but disliked being in stuffy rooms, where she craved cool air. She felt worse by the sea and was disturbed by noise. Her energy levels were low, and she had never slept well, even as a child. The pneumonia tended to occur when she was premenstrual.
PRESCRIPTION & FOLLOW-UP
A diet was devised to strengthen Fiona’s liver and make her bowels more efficient. This relieved the constipation, and her energy levels rose. She then developed a cold that went on to her chest. She was prescribed Pulsatilla, and advised to take antibiotics, although she chose not to. She recovered from the acute attack within a week. She still had a cough, which responded to Sticta, although she remained catarrhal. She was then given Merc. sol. and has been healthy ever since. She takes this remedy at the first signs of a cold.