Pneumonia is a medical condition characterized by acute inflammation of the lung tissue (lung parenchyma, especially in the small air spaces called alveoli). This inflammation is usually caused by infection with microorganisms , except for pneumonia which is caused by tuberculosis germs which are not included. Lung inflammation caused by non-microorganisms, namely due to exposure to chemicals, radiation, aspiration of toxic materials, drugs and others is called Pneumonitis.
Therefore, it is very important for you to understand the treatment of lung infections and recognize the symptoms as a form of mitigation for medical treatment because pneumonia can be a serious disease, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children, the elderly, people with weak immune systems, and individuals with other chronic illnesses.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Pneumonia
Symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of causative agent, the individual's health condition, and other factors. Symptoms of pneumonia can vary, but common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough, often with thick, sticky phlegm that can be yellow, green, or bloody
- Out of breath
- Chest pain that worsens when breathing deeply
- Weakness and fatigue
- Shivering
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
- Nausea and vomiting (especially in children)
- Diarrhea (especially in children)
It would be better if you consult a doctor about the symptoms above from the start of the complaint so that you get the right care and treatment so that the disease does not get worse.
What are the causes of pneumonia?
Pneumonia can be caused by various factors, especially infections by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. Following are some common causes of pneumonia:
- Bacteria: The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia. Apart from that, there are various other types of bacteria that can also cause pneumonia.
- Viruses: Viruses such as influenza (flu) viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza viruses are common causes of viral pneumonia.
- Fungi: Fungi are also one of the causes of pneumonia. The fungus often occurs in individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those who have HIV/AIDS.
- Other infections: Some other microorganisms such as mycoplasma and chlamydia can cause atypical pneumonia
How to Treat Lung Infections in General
Some temporary ways to treat infections in the lungs are:
- Take medication such as cough/cold medicine or Ibuprofen which you can reach through the nearest pharmacy if you have influenza symptoms.
- Consume enough water
- Consume warm tea mixed with honey
- Using a vaporizer or humidifier
- Eat healthy foods to provide balanced nutrition and improve the immune system, such as reducing consumption of processed meat, alcohol and foods that contain lots of salt.
- Get enough rest.
- Wear a mask.
- Maintain cleanliness around
- Stay away from toxic fumes such as cigarette smoke, burning rubbish, car exhaust and so on.
- Consult a doctor if you have symptoms of a lung infection, such as high fever, increasing and annoying cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain, immediately consult a doctor.
If with temporary treatment you feel there is no improvement in your complaints, you should be alert if the symptoms you feel are getting worse or worse, for example phlegm is increasing in volume and is yellowish or greenish in color accompanied by high fever, shortness of breath or getting tired quickly with light activity, chest pain; then you need to consult a doctor.
Article written by dr. Rita Kesuma, Sp.P (Lung & Respiratory Specialist at EMC Pekayon Hospital).