There are several types of pneumonia that can be distinguished based on the microorganism that causes it and the site of infection. Pneumonia itself is a lung infection disease that can cause the air sacs in the lungs to fill with fluid or pus.
The lungs are made up of many small air sacs called alveoli. When pneumonia occurs, in which the lungs are infected by certain microorganisms, alveoli What should be filled with air can become filled with fluid or pus.
This causes the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli does not run smoothly, causing shortness of breath, coughing up phlegm, chest pain, and even fever.
Types of Pneumonia Based on the Cause
Based on the microorganisms that cause infection, pneumonia can be divided into several types, namely:
1. Bacterial pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is pneumonia due to a bacterial infection. This is the most common type of pneumonia, and the bacteria that most commonly cause lung infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae.
You can catch pneumonia-causing bacteria if you breathe in droplet (small droplets of saliva) that a person with pneumonia produces when he coughs or sneezes. Infection can occur more easily if you have a weak immune system, have a history of lung disease, smoke frequently, or are recovering from hospital surgery.
2. Atypical pneumonia
This type of pneumonia is actually still caused by bacteria, but the symptoms are milder than bacterial pneumonia. Because the symptoms of pneumonia are mild, sufferers usually do not realize that they are sick. This condition is referred to as walking pneumonia (walking pneumonia). Atypical pneumonia is usually caused by bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydophila pneumoniae.
3. Viral pneumonia
Different types of viruses can infect the lungs and cause this type of pneumonia. Viral pneumonia usually lasts less than bacterial pneumonia and the symptoms are milder.
However, sometimes cases of viral pneumonia can also be fatal, especially if the cause is the influenza virus. Children, the elderly (elderly), and people who have weak immune systems are more at risk for experiencing the fatal viral pneumonia.
4. Fungal pneumonia
This type of pneumonia is caused by a fungal infection. Fungal pneumonia is rare and is usually experienced by people who suffer from chronic diseases or have weak immune systems. Examples are people with AIDS, cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy, people with autoimmune diseases, or organ transplant recipients who must take drugs that suppress the body's immune system (immunosuppressants).
Types of Pneumonia Based on the Place of Infection
Microorganisms that cause pneumonia can be obtained from various places. Pneumonia obtained from different places has different characteristics.
1. Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)
Pneumonia that is acquired while a person is being treated in a hospital is referred to as hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) or nosocomial pneumonia. The reason for hospitalization does not have to be pulmonary disease. All patients who are hospitalized for any disease are at risk of exposure to bacteria while in hospital.
HAP is usually serious because the bacteria that cause it are often resistant (resistant) to antibiotics. A patient who is hospitalized is more at risk for this type of pneumonia if:
- Requires ventilatory support during treatment
- Can't cough normally, so phlegm in the lungs and throat can't be expelled
- Have a tracheostomy, which is an artificial hole in the neck that has been fitted with a tube to help breathing
- Have a weak immune system
2. Health care-acquired pneumonia
In contrast to HAP that occurs in the hospital, health care-acquiredpneumonia it can occur in other health facilities, such as hemodialysis (dialysis) centers or outpatient clinics. Bacteria obtained from these places can also be resistant to antibiotics.
3. Community-acquired pneumonia (STAMP)
This type of pneumonia includes all pneumonias acquired outside of hospitals and health facilities. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. One example of CAP is pulmonary tuberculosis (pulmonary TB).
This type of pneumonia also includes aspiration pneumonia, which is a type of pneumonia that occurs when a person accidentally inhales food, drink, or vomit into his airways. This condition usually occurs in people who have difficulty swallowing and vomiting.
Not all cases of pneumonia are fatal. Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home using medications as directed by your doctor. However, severe pneumonia requires intensive care in the hospital because it can end up in respiratory failure or sepsis.
If you experience symptoms of pneumonia, such as shortness of breath, cough, and fever, immediately consult a doctor. If it turns out that you have pneumonia, the doctor will determine the right treatment according to the type of pneumonia you suffer from.
To prevent pneumonia, you are advised to always maintain your immune system by exercising regularly, eating nutritious foods, and not smoking. Don't forget to wash your hands regularly, especially before touching your face, and get a vaccine for pneumonia if necessary.
Written by:
dr. Irene Cindy Sunur