What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It can be caused by a variety of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia is not a harmless illness—there are over 30 different potential causes, and identifying the specific cause is essential for determining the appropriate treatment.
Approximately one-third of all pneumonia cases in the U.S. each year are caused by respiratory viruses. These viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia, especially in children and young adults. In older adults, influenza is the leading cause of viral pneumonia. Other viral causes include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and others.
Our breathing is crucial for maintaining good health. Learn more about the Secret of the Breath in a lecture by The Art of Living Foundation.
How Does Pneumonia Affect the Body?
Sometimes, microbes find their way into the lungs and cause infection. This is more likely to happen when:
Your immune system is weak and cannot filter microbes from the air we breathe.
Once microbes reach the lungs, the alveoli become inflamed and fill with fluid. This causes pneumonia symptoms such as coughing, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
With pneumonia, the amount of oxygen in the blood decreases, preventing cells from functioning properly. The spread of infection in the body can lead to serious complications and even death.
Pneumonia affects the lungs in two ways:
Localized in one part of the lung — lobar pneumonia
Spread throughout both lungs — bronchial pneumonia (or bronchopneumonia)
It’s no secret that many illnesses are stress-related. Yoga and breathing techniques can help you live a calmer and healthier life. Learn practical breathing tools in the Happiness Program course.
Causes of Pneumonia
Microbes and Viruses
Many different microorganisms can cause pneumonia, including bacteria, viruses, and other infectious agents. If you already have viral pneumonia, you’re at increased risk of developing bacterial pneumonia as well.
Weakened Body
If your immune defenses are weakened due to illness, age, malnutrition, or immune disorders, the infection can spread quickly through the bloodstream and affect the entire body.
Anyone can get pneumonia, but some people are at greater risk. Risk factors include:
Smoking
Respiratory viral infections
Chronic lung diseases
Cerebral palsy
Heart conditions
Liver cirrhosis
Diabetes and autoimmune diseases
Did you know that Ayurveda can help? Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of natural and holistic medicine that treats illness at its root. Learn more in the free lecture Ayurveda – The Path to Health and Balance.
How to Recover from Pneumonia
Your chances for a faster recovery are best if:
You’re young
The infection is detected early
Your immune system is functioning well
The infection hasn’t spread
You don’t have underlying health conditions
With proper treatment, most patients start improving within two weeks.
Yoga Against Pneumonia
Yoga is an ancient practice that strengthens both the body and the mind. As a result, the immune system also becomes stronger. We can achieve better health by choosing nutritious foods and practicing yoga regularly. Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation are the keys to improved well-being and strong immunity.
Breathing plays a vital role not only in survival but also in protecting us from infections. Proper and deep breathing can support pneumonia recovery. It helps build resistance against harmful bacteria and viruses.
Because breathing is directly linked to respiratory illness, The Art of Living yoga instructors recommend the following techniques:
Kapal Bhati Pranayama (Skull-Shining Breath)
Improves respiratory resistance and clears the airways.
Bhastrika Pranayama
Supports purification of the lungs.
Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
Improves sinus resistance and calms the nervous system by harmonizing the left and right brain hemispheres.
Sudarshan Kriya
A powerful rhythmic breathing technique that detoxifies the body and lungs. Practiced daily by millions around the world, it supports excellent physical and mental health.
Ayurveda's Advice
Ayurveda is an integral part of yoga. It helps you discover the best herbs and foods for your condition to recover faster and prevent complications. Visit an Ayurvedic specialist at The Art of Living centers to receive an individual diagnosis and learn how to improve your health with ease.
