Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs, which is caused by bacteria, virus or fungus. It causes inflammation in the air sacs inside the lungs, causing difficulty in breathing. Pneumonia can prove to be a life-threatening disease, but with the right treatment it can be cured and prevented (Pneumonia Prevention).

Every year World Pneumonia Day (World Pneumonia Day 2024) is celebrated on 12 November to make people aware about this dangerous disease. Many types of campaigns and events are organized to make people aware about prevention, vaccine and better treatment of this disease. Here we will learn about the symptoms of pneumonia and will also focus on some such methods (Tips For Healthy Lungs) which can help in keeping the lungs healthy and help in preventing respiratory diseases.

Pneumonia Symptoms

Some common symptoms of pneumonia can be-

• Cough- this may be dry or with mucus.
• Fever and chills – This is a common sign of infection.
• Difficulty breathing – This may feel like deep breathing or shortness of breath.
• Chest pain – This may worsen when you breathe or cough.
• Fatigue- Pneumonia causes the body to become weak.
• Muscle pain – This can happen anywhere in the body.
• Headache- This may be due to fever.
• Loss of appetite- Infection can cause loss of appetite.

Natural ways to keep your lungs healthy

You can adopt many natural remedies to keep your lungs healthy-

• Healthy diet- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat and protein . These food items are rich in antioxidants, which help in keeping the lungs healthy.
• Regular exercise- Regular exercise helps strengthen the lungs and improve respiratory function.
• Stress Management- Take up yoga, meditation or other deep breathing techniques to combat stress .
• Adequate sleep – Adequate sleep helps the body recover and fight infections.
• Quit smoking- Smoking seriously damages the lungs and increases the risk of pneumonia.
• Avoid polluted air- Avoid polluted air as much as possible.
• Hydration- Drink enough water to keep the body hydrated.
• Ayurvedic Herbs- Some Ayurvedic herbs such as basil, ginger and turmeric may be beneficial for lung health. However, consult your doctor before using any herb.
• Yogasanas- Yogasanas help in controlling breathing and strengthening the lungs.