Based on what you’re feeling—cough, shortness of breath, occasional chest pain—it does suggest some respiratory involvement, but figuring out if it’s a cold, bronchitis, or something more serious like pneumonia requires some detective work. Usually, a cold tends to have more nasal congestion and sneezing, while bronchitis often includes wheezing. Pneumonia has a more intense presentation, sometimes with high fever and chills. Sometimes it’s tricky to tell without consulting a healthcare professional with diagnostics like X-rays or tests to determne if it’s bacterial, viral, or fungal. Don’t overlook the possibility of something like tuberculosis if symptoms persist or worsen.
Doctors can differentiate causes with cultures or blood tests. If it’s bacterial, antibiotics are usually in the plan; viral needs more symptomatic relief—rest, hydration, stuff like that. Ayurveda offers its own toolkit, which can complement modern treatment, though you shouldn’t solely rely on it for serious infections.
Speaking of Ayurveda—yes, herbs like Vasaka (Malabar Nut), Tulsi (Holy Basil), and Mulethi (Licorice) are known for their respiratory benefits. Vasaka is thought to help with clearing mucus, Tulsi acts as an anti-inflammatory and stress reliever, and Mulethi sooths the throat. You can prepare them as teas or decoctions, consumed 2-3 times a day, but don’t neglect any prescribed medication you might be on. In terms of breathing, Pranayama can help. Start with basic techniques like Anulom Vilom which balances your breathing. Just ensure you don’t strain yourself.
If you do assess this as more serious (like high fever or sharp chest pain persists), don’t wait—seek medical attention immediately. When I had a lung infection, symptoms varied; fever and exhaustion were persistent, and it took around two weeks to recover with antibiotics.
Healing naturally also means care like keeping warm, avoiding cold foods, and maintaining hydration. Rest plays a huge role, so don’t disregard it. Be mindful of how your body feels and responds to the treatment.
