see also Pneumonia
Infection of the lungs caused by various bacteria and viruses.
Bronchopneumonia In this form of pneumonia large areas of lung tissue become flooded with inflammatory secretions, drastically reducing oxygen uptake. Common in cystic fibrosis, a complication of Colds, Bronchitis, Measles, and Whooping Cough, and in some cases a reaction to foreign bodies lodged in lungs. If preceded by a cold, usually onsets 3 days after development of cold symptoms. Signs are high Fever (temperature above 39°C [102º F]), dry Cough, fast breathing, and in severe cases wheezing and blueness around lips (cyanosis). Scarring of lung tissue can cause permanent damage.
Lobar Pneumonia Infection confined to one lobe of lungs. Onsets suddenly with burning Fever (temperature up to 40°C [104°F]), rapid breathing, dry Cough, and in some cases stabbing pains as lungs expand to inhale. Usually heals within a week, with or without antibiotics.
If either type of pneumonia is suspected, consult your doctor if there is no improvement in 2 hours, especially if child has difficulty breathing, sucks ribs inwards in effort to breathe, or turns blue around the lips or tongue.
Specific remedies to be given every 5 minutes for up to 10 doses or until help arrives
- Stabbing pains around rib cage, made worse by breathing in, high fever, eyes wide and staring, child also delirious Belladonna 30c
- Pain on breathing in, aggravated by slightest movement but alleviated by lying on painful side, child very thirst at infrequent intervals Bryonia 30c
- Symptoms come on suddenly, especially after a fright or exposure to cold wind, child fearful Aconite 30c
- Brownish phlegm coughed up, child craves cold drinks but vomits as soon as they become warm in stomach, wants to be cuddled and reassured Phosphorus 30c
|