Are you also afraid of pneumonia? Let's learn more about this lung infection!

Have you been experiencing chest congestion , coughing, and shortness of breath for days? Does your body feel weak? You may think that these are just a simple cold, but perhaps this is something more serious, such as pneumonia . Today, let's talk about this disease that many people are afraid of but don't really know about, simply and clearly, as if we were talking to a close friend.

What exactly is pneumonia?

Simply put, pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. Think of your lungs as a sponge. When you breathe, this sponge fills with air. When pneumonia occurs, the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs and the small tubes (bronchioles) that connect to them become filled with pus or fluid due to a bacterial infection. This makes it difficult for the lungs to take in enough oxygen .

Anyone can get it, but babies under 2 years old and people over 50 are at higher risk because their immune systems may be weakened. People who smoke and drink heavily are also more likely to develop pneumonia.

Pneumonia can occur in just one lung or in both lungs. When it occurs in both lungs, some people call it 'double pneumonia'. Sometimes, there is a condition of pneumonia that occurs without any major symptoms, while you are doing your normal activities. This is called 'Walking Pneumonia'.

What are the main types of pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be divided into several main types depending on the germ that causes it. Let's look at this information in a table.

Do you also have these symptoms?

Symptoms of pneumonia usually start to appear gradually over a few days. See if you have any of these.

• Cough: Usually a cough with mucus.
• Sharp pain in the chest when breathing or coughing: It can feel like a knife stabbing you.
• Fever, sweating , and chills.
• Fatigue and loss of appetite.
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Heart palpitations.
• Blue lips or fingernails: (This may not be obvious to people with darker skin tones).

Special features for the elderly and young children

When an elderly person develops pneumonia, they may become unusually confused and confused . They may also have a low body temperature, without a typical fever.

Young babies may not show any major symptoms when they get pneumonia. But you should be concerned if they are not as active as usual, are constantly tired or restless , refuse to drink milk, have vomiting, fever, or have difficulty breathing.

Causes and transmission of pneumonia

Pneumonia occurs when a germ that is too powerful for our body's immune system to control enters the lungs.

• Viruses: Can be caused by viruses such as influenza, the common cold, RSV (a leading cause of pneumonia in infants), and SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.
• Bacteria: The bacterium Pneumococcus is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia.
• Aspiration pneumonia: This is a bit different. This condition can occur if something, such as food, drink, saliva, or vomit, accidentally enters the airway and enters the lungs. People who have impaired throat function due to a brain injury or excessive drug or alcohol use are at higher risk.

Is pneumonia contagious?

Yes, pneumonia caused by bacteria and viruses can be spread. People can spread the disease by breathing in droplets of germs that are released into the air when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. People can also spread the disease by touching a contaminated surface and then touching their mouth or nose.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you about your symptoms, your habits, such as whether you smoke, and whether there are other sick people at home or at work. Then he will listen to your chest with a stethoscope. If you have pneumonia, you may hear strange sounds (crackling, bubbling) coming from inside your chest when you breathe.

In addition, the following tests may be performed to confirm the disease:

• Blood tests: Check for a bacterial infection.
• Chest X-ray: To see exactly where the infection is and how far it has spread.
• Pulse Oximetry: A device that looks like a clip is placed on the finger and measures the oxygen level in the blood.
• Sputum test: To find the germ that caused the infection.

If the condition is severe or you have other illnesses, you may also need to have more specialized tests, such as a CT scan.

How is it treated? How long does it take to recover?

Treatment depends on what germ caused your pneumonia, how severe it is, and your overall health.

• For bacterial pneumonia: The doctor will prescribe antibiotics. The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as prescribed, for the prescribed period of time. Don't stop taking it just because you feel a little better.
• For viral pneumonia: Antibiotics are not effective. The best thing to do is get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids (water, soup, porridge) , and take medicine for the fever.
• For fungal pneumonia: Antifungal medication is given.

If your symptoms are severe, you have other medical conditions, or you are at risk of complications, your doctor may decide to hospitalize you. In the hospital, you may be given intravenous (IV) medications, saline, and oxygen.

It can take a week to a month or more to recover. The physical fatigue will last for about a month. So don't rush it, get plenty of rest. Ask your doctor about the best time to resume your normal activities.

How to avoid pneumonia?

It is much more important to prevent pneumonia before it develops than to suffer from it.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap.
• Stay away from people who are sick. If you are sick, try not to spread it to others.
• Avoid smoking completely and avoid being around people who smoke.
• If you have chronic diseases like asthma or diabetes, take the appropriate treatment for them.
• Get vaccinated: This is very important. Getting the vaccines for pneumonia and influenza provides great protection. Talk to your doctor about this and get the vaccines that are right for you or your child.
• Keep your immune system strong by exercising well, eating nutritious foods, and sleeping well.