Pneumonia: Lung Infection

Pneumonia: Lung Infection

Pneumonia is a severe lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The risk is greater if the patient is 65 years of age or older, has a chronic illness or weakened immune system.

Other risk factors for developing pneumonia include smoking, having emphysema (a lung disease), and exposure to air pollution.

How is pneumonia acquired?

Pneumonia usually begins as a flu or cough. And if our body is weak, the infection can move to our lungs and even become pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia include fever, cough, difficulty breathing and weakness. But not everyone will have these symptoms.

Because of this, it is better for the patient to have a Chest X-ray. Chest X-rays will definitely tell you if you have pneumonia or not. The doctor also examines the sputum test to diagnose pneumonia. The blood test (CBC test) shows the effect of the infection on the body.

What are the complications?

There are 2 types of pneumonia. One is acquired in the community, Community Acquired Pneumonia. The other was from the hospital, Hospital Acquired Pneumonia. The germ from the hospital is more serious.

Complications of pneumonia are more common in the elderly, smokers and former lung disease. It is possible for the germ to move from the lungs and spread to the bloodstream. Sepsis is called it. There may also be pus (abscess) and water in the lungs.

Pneumonia Treatment:

1. Taking antibiotics. If the pneumonia is not severe, it can still be taken by taking antibiotics. But if the patient is old or has a severe infection, the patient must be admitted to the hospital to be given antibiotics for the flu.

2. Taking medicine for cough and fever, such as carbocisteine ​​capsule and paracetamol tablets.

3. Take a break and do not go to work first.

4. Drink 8 glasses of water to dilute the sputum and lower the fever.

5. See a doctor and follow all his advice.

How to prevent pneumonia?

1. Get vaccinated against pneumonia and the flu. The pneumonia vaccine is given every 5 years, and the flu vaccine is given every year. People over the age of 60 are usually given it.

2. Do not infect others. Wash your hands often. Spit the sputum in the tissue or sink and wash it off. Don't talk too much to other people. And of course, quit smoking.