Pneumonia Treatment   Generally speaking, treatment of pneumonia is a conservative.  For pneumonia that is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are the recommendation.  For children, elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, IV antibiotics may be the suggested route.  It is important to narrow down the offending organism to assist in choosing the correct antibiotic.  This helps to avoid the need for re-treatment and the possible development of resistant strains of bacteria.    Mycoplasma pneumonia will usually resolve on its own, though antibiotics can be given to speed the recovery time and lessen the symptoms. Viral pneumonia can be treated with various antivirals, including acyclovir or ganciclovir. [5]   The goals of alternative therapy are to support the immune system and to encourage drainage and removal of sputum (dead bacteria and immune cells) from the respiratory tract.  Each case needs to be evaluated for its specific cause and risk of morbidity.  However, the use of antibiotics is almost always necessary to avoid serious and negative sequelae.     Supplements helpful for Pneumonia   Vitamin C Vitamin C promotes tissue healing.  It is also a powerful antioxidant and enhances the immune system.  Vitamin C exerts anti-viral and antibacterial activity outside the body, and may have the same actions within the body.  Vitamin C has been used as an adjunctive treatment for pneumonia.  It is most effective when started the first or second day of the infection. This water-soluble vitamin has been shown to lessen the severity of pneumonia and to speed recovery times. [6]    Other studies have shown that Vitamin C supplementation results in a 80% reduction in the incidence of pneumonia in at risk patients.  Clinical research has also proven Vitamin C's benefit upon both elderly hospitalized patients and the general population, as a therapeutic and protective nutrient. [7]   Vitamin A Vitamin A enhances immune function. It is an anti-viral compound, which assists in building resistance to certain infections.  Vitamin A is extremely beneficial for children and elderly patients with pneumonia.  In numerous studies, it has been proven to reduce the mortality rate of pneumonia, as well as reducing other, less severe symptoms such as diarrhea. [8]   Vitamin E Vitamin E is known to enhance immune function at moderate doses. It is also a potent antioxidant.  When combined with Vitamin C, studies have shown a protective and beneficial affect on providing a reduction in the severity of pneumonia.  One study in particular found that Vitamin E combined with Vitamin C reduced the morbidity associated with pneumonia, and shortened the stay in ICU for hospitalized patients with severe disease. [9]   Zinc Zinc is a well-known mineral that is involved in many biochemical reactions, especially concerning the immune system. It enhances the immune reaction and has also exhibited antiviral activity.  Zinc combined with Vitamin A has been shown to reduce the incidence of pneumonia in a population of at risk children. [10]   Bromelain Bromelain is a naturally occurring enzyme from pineapple.  It is a fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic in nature.  Bromelain is believed to enhance antibiotic absorption in the GI tract.  This enzyme may be especially useful in pneumonia, as it has been shown to break-up mucous and sputum consolidated in lung tissue.  In study, bromelain has also been shown to decrease the volume and purulence of sputum in patients with pneumonia. [11]   Echinacea Echinacea is a botanical medicine that has immune enhancing effects.  It is also exhibits certain anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral activities.  In clinical trials, Echinacea has been shown to produce beneficial effects for the treatment of respiratory infections.  It has been equally successful as a prophylaxis agent against infection.  Echinacea may be especially relevant for individuals with a weakened/compromised immune system. [12]   Hydrastis Canadensis Hydrastis has antimicrobial activity due to the high level of berberine constituents.  It has also been shown to restore integrity to the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.  Hydrastis has been proven beneficial for acute infections. Hydrastis has documented use as an effective antimicrobial agent, and has been used to eliminate the primary bacteria responsible for causing pneumonia, streptococcus pneumonia. [13]     Learn More About Pneumonia Introduction to Pneumonia Pneumonia Treatment Products helpful for Pneumonia Go Back Learn More

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