Overview

Pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening infection that results in fluid accumulation in the lungs. A number of different bacterial as well as viral causes are known. Cardinal signs of difficulty in breathing, air-hunger, and weakness require prompt medical intervention.

Please see conventional, complementary, and alternative medical treatments for important background information regarding the different types of medical treatments discussed on this page. Naturopathic, Complementary, and Alternative treatments that may be considered include:

Diagnosis

  • Auscultation of lungs
  • Chest X-ray
  • CBC

Differential Diagnosis

Treatment

Antibiotics are often administered empirically before chest X-ray and CBC lab results are returned. Supportive methods may be necessary (e.g. oxygen respirators) in the short run.

Prevention

Susceptibility to pneumonia is a common sign of hypothyrodism and proper treatment of this condition can greatly reduce the chance of contracting pneumonia [Starr2005, pg 136].

References