Probiotics. Probiotics could help prevent pneumonia in children due, it is believed, to their stimulating effect on the immune system. A clinical trial³ has been shown that consuming fermented milk (Actimel®, which contains lactobacilli of the type Lactobacillus casei), reduced the incidence of lower respiratory infections (bronchitis and pneumonia). In another essay⁴, it was observed that a supplement of Lactobacillus GG provided mild, but statistically significant, protection against infections of the respiratory system (ear infections, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia)⁴. If needed, other drugs will help relieve chest pain and lower fever (ibuprofen, paracetamol).

In addition, several studies suggest that probiotics may reduce the risk of hospital acquired pneumonia in patients on mechanical ventilation. In 2010, a trial involving 146 patients, half of whom received Lactobacillus 2 times a day, showed their risk of pneumonia was divided by 2¹⁸.

Finally, taking probiotics helps prevent diarrhea that may accompany takingantibiotics. See the Probiotics fact sheet for more information.

 Ail (Allium sativum). Traditionally, garlic has been used to fight infections of all kinds, as well as to prevent colds and flu. ESCOP recognizes its use to treat upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. The effect of garlic consumption on the symptoms of pneumonia has only been tested in a few subjects with this condition.⁵.

Dosage

Consume about 4 cloves of fresh garlic (16 g) per day, or take 2 g to 4 g of dried garlic, 3 times a day. It can also be taken as a tincture or a standardized extract. See the Garlic (psn) fact sheet for more information.

 Isatis (Isatis tinctoria). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, isatis root (Chinese name: Ban Lan Gen) is used, in combination with other plants of Chinese herbalism, to treat a multitude of ailments, including upper respiratory infections and certain pneumonia. Isatis also experienced a resurgence in popularity in 2003, in Asia, due to the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome) epidemic. Several in vitro and animal tests show that isatis root, in extract form, has antibacterial and antiviral properties^7-12 .

Dosage. Consult a practitioner trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine for personalized treatment.

 Dietary restrictions. Naturopaths and the D^r Weil recommend avoiding certain foods that would increase the production of mucus^15,16. Foods to be banned are the Milk and dairy products, very sweet and those prepared with bleached wheat flour. But these recommendations remain a subject of controversy within the scientific community.

 Inhalation of vapor. Inhaling water vapor containing German chamomile, black elderflower, or lemon balm may help reduce throat and bronchial irritation.⁶. They also help to expel secretions.

Walk to suivre¹⁴. Put 30 g of the chosen plant in 1 liter of boiling water. Remove from heat and let steep for 15 minutes. Pour the infusion into a large bowl. Put your head over the bowl and inhale the steam for about ten minutes. Place a towel to cover the head and the bowl so as not to let the steam escape. It is then recommended to stay warm for at least 30 minutes, to facilitate the evacuation of mucus.

 Mustard poultice. Applied to the chest, the mustard poultice (also called “mustard fly”) would help soothe pain and reduce fever.^6,13. It would also stimulate the production of fluids in the lungs, making it easier to expel mucus. To take advantage of its expectorant effect, once the application is complete, you can start a respiratory physiotherapy session (see section Medical treatments).

Preparation

– Mix 1 part of dry mustard in 2 or 3 parts of wheat flour. Add a little lukewarm water to obtain a paste.

– Spread the dough on a cloth and fold it in half to avoid direct contact with the skin.

– Place on the chest or on the upper back.

– Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes.

– If possible, apply twice a day⁶.

Warning. Check the temperature of the poultice before applying it to avoid burns.

In some European countries, ready-to-use mustard poultices can be found in pharmacies.

 Relaxation techniques. Regardless of the preferred technique (deep breaths, autogenic training, biofeedback, etc.), it is a question of reducing muscle tension in order to promote healing¹³. It should be noted that people who suffer from pneumonia have chest pain that intensifies during coughing and deep breaths. Also see the Relaxation Response sheet, which describes the steps that guide the body towards relaxation. Also see our guided relaxations in Meditate – and more.

 Manual lymphatic drainage. This gentle massage technique stimulates lymph circulation. This carries several components that participate in the body’s immune reactions. This is why some believe that lymphatic drainage strengthens the immune system. In people with pneumonia, this type of massage would also help relieve pain and muscle tension in the chest.¹³. In addition, it would promote the evacuation of pulmonary secretions. See our Lymphatic Drainage fact sheet.