Pneumonia is a general term which refers to an infection of the lungs. It involves the tiny air sacs, called alveoli, which are located at the tips of the body`s smallest breathing tubes, called the bronchi. These alveoli are responsible for passing oxygen into the blood. The disease Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung which is caused by a variety of infection of the microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and parasites. Pneumonia usually attacks the defense system of the person when it is weakened. Pneumonia is most often is considered to be a simple viral upper respiratory tract infection or a case of influenza (the flu). Pneumonia starts affecting the upper respiratory tract infection (an infection of the nose and throat). It is one of the most serious infectious diseases. Lobar pneumonia and bronchial pneumonia are the two basic types of pneumonia, but they both are treated in the same way. If both the lungs are affected the disease becomes more serious. In common terms, it is called double pneumonia.

Pneumonia is thus, an infection that inflicts the lungs. This ailment can range in its seriousness from a mild attack to possibly life-threatening. This disease is caused when the patient produces an excess of phlegm and mucous which is frequently coughed up in order to clear the stricken passageways. It is a respiratory condition and often spreads from one lung to the other. The major Causes of Pneumonia are the infection from various types of viruses and bacteria.

The microorganism such as streptococcus, staphylococcus and pneunococcus cause pneumonia. Other causes of this disease include fungal infection, irritation by worms, inhaling foreign matter, irritant dust or noxious gases and vapors such as ammonia, nitrogen dioxide or cadmium. However, the actual cause of pneumonia is the toxic condition of the body, especially of the lungs and air passages that results from faulty eating and life style. Persons with healthy tissues and strong vital force are unlikely to catch pneumonia. It is only when the system is clogged with toxic matter and the vitality is low that the germs of pneumonia invade a person. Pneumonia can be diagnosed on the basis of investigations such as chest X-ray and blood tests.

Symptoms of Pneumonia can be identified when a person suffers from coldness in the head or the throat. He also starts shivering, has difficulty in breathing, has sharp pain in the chest, followed by a cough with pinkish sputum, which may later become brownish. However, in some cases, the sputum may turn into rusty colour in severe cases of pneumonia. Fever and headache are also very common symptoms. The disease may cause delirium and convulsions in most cases involving young children. Most patients feel very miserable and sweat profusely. The temperature may rise to 105 Fahrenheit and pulse may go upto 150 beats per minute. Treatment of Pneumonia consists of oral antibiotics, rest, fluids, and home care. Nature cure, fresh fruit diet, homeopathy as well as ayurveda.