Pneumonia Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Pneumonia, or better known as wet lung, is an inflammation that occurs in the lung tissue. The inflammation causes the alveoli (air sacs) to fill with fluid. As a result, the lungs cannot work properly.
In some cases, patients who have low levels of immunity can get complications in the form of the spread of bacteria in the bloodstream. This condition has the potential to cause failure in the function of the body’s organs. Usually marked by a lung abscess until there is pus.
In addition, inflammation that is not treated immediately can lead to the formation of inflammatory fluid, which can then collect in the protective lining of the lungs. If this is the case, the procedure for removing the fluid must be carried out by a doctor.
Pneumonia Symptoms
Pneumonia usually begins with certain symptoms first. The following are the symptoms that usually appear:
• Fever with headache and chills.
• Cough without phlegm, or phlegm with liquid containing yellowish pus.
• Chest pain that is felt when breathing to shortness of breath.
• Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
• Pain in muscles, joints, and fatigue.
• Weak pulse up to 100 beats per minute.
Pneumonia Reason
Pneumonia is caused by various microorganisms. Some of them are bacteria (S. Pumonia, H, influenza, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, M. tuberculosis, M. kansasii, and so on), fungi (P. carinii, C. neoformans, H. capsulatum, C. immitis, S. fumigatus, and so on), protozoa, and viruses (CMV and herpes simplex).
In addition, there are several direct causes that can also trigger pneumonia, such as:
• Smoking habits
• Chronic heart
• Diabetes mellitus
• Weakness of the structure of the respiratory organs
• Decreased level of consciousness
The germs that cause pneumonia usually differ from region to region. This is caused by:
• Patient interaction which then causes infection
• How infection occurs
• Impaired immune system
• Presence of chronic disease
• Environmental pollution
• Inappropriate use of antibiotics
Diagnosis
Usually, the doctor will examine the lung organs, to listen to whether there are abnormal sounds when you breathe. There are also some additional checks needed, such as:
- Chest X-ray
This examination helps the doctor to detect pneumonia and determine the location of the infection that causes the disease to arise. - Blood tests
can be done to see if there is an infection that is characterized by an increase in white blood cells. - Checking the pulse
This method is used to see how much oxygen levels are circulating in the body and can be used to determine how bad the effect of pneumonia is on air exchange in the respiratory system. - Sputum test
Sputum will be analyzed to see germs that cause infection in the lungs.
Pneumonia Treatment
If you find a family member having difficulty breathing or an increase in breathing frequency, immediately take them to the hospital. Thus it can be done for proper handling.
The doctor will treat pneumonia in the following ways:
- Causal therapy
This therapy is carried out by administering antibiotics or antifungal drugs. - General supportive therapy
This treatment is adjusted to the patient’s condition, for example when administering oxygen therapy. - Inhalation therapy
By delivering the drug directly to the lungs, this therapy is very useful for patients who need immediate treatment. This therapy can avoid ongoing side effects, thin phlegm that is thick and yellowish, and treat infections. - Chest physiotherapy
This method is done to facilitate the process of expelling phlegm from the lungs.
Increasing body resistance is very important to prevent yourself from pneumonia. Therefore, maintain personal hygiene by implementing the following in daily life:
• Diligent hand washing
• Wearing a mask when going to public places
• Exercising regularly