Pneumonia is inflammation of the lungs caused by infection. Pneumonia can cause mild to severe symptoms. Some of the symptoms commonly experienced by people with pneumonia are cough with phlegm, fever, and shortness of breath.
Pneumonia is also known as wet lung. In this condition, the infection causes inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs. As a result, the alveoli can be filled with fluid or pus, causing the sufferer to have difficulty breathing.
Pneumonia can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 is a type of virus that can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia due to COVID-19 can cause dangerous complications, one of which is: acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Pneumonia can sometimes also appear with other lung diseases, such as pulmonary TB.
Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 15% of deaths in children under 5 years are caused by this disease. WHO also stated that in 2017, more than 800,000 children died from pneumonia.
If you or your child has symptoms of pneumonia andIf you need a COVID-19 check, click on the link below so you can be directed to the nearest health facility:
- Rapid Test Antibodies
- Antigen Swab (Rapid Test Antigen)
- PCR
Causes of Pneumonia
Pneumonia occurs due to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. In adults, pneumonia is most often caused by a bacterial infection.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Symptoms of pneumonia are quite varied. However, pneumonia is generally characterized by the following symptoms:
- Cough
- Fever
- Hard to breathe
- Shivering
- Fatigue
Pneumonia Treatment
Treatment for pneumonia will depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Pneumonia due to bacterial infection will be treated with antibiotics. In addition, the doctor can also give some other pneumonia medicines to relieve the symptoms that appear, such as cough medicine, fever-reducing medicine, or pain relievers.
If the patient has difficulty breathing, the doctor will give additional oxygen or install a breathing apparatus (ventilator). Patients with pneumonia with severe symptoms need to be treated in a hospital and intensive monitoring to prevent complications that can be fatal.
Pneumonia Prevention
Pneumonia can be prevented in several ways, including:
- Getting vaccinated
- Strengthening the immune system, for example by providing adequate nutrition
- Maintain personal hygiene, for example diligently washing hands and not touching nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Do not smoke
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages
- Keep a distance from people who are sick with coughs or colds