The term pneumonia in the wider community may be more commonly known as wet lung disease . Pneumonia has been in the spotlight since the SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) outbreak in 2002.
However, the presence of the Covid-19 outbreak has made pneumonia a public spotlight again because this disease is one of the symptoms or complications felt by many people when infected with Covid-19.
According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children in the world. It was recorded that 740,180 children died from pneumonia in 2019.
Both children and adults, this disease must be treated immediately because it can cause someone to have difficulty breathing. With the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we are more aware of the presence of pneumonia.
According to Dr. Astri Indah Prameswari, Sp. P, a Pulmonary & Respiratory Specialist from Eka Hospital BSD, pneumonia can be diagnosed after seeing a doctor and having undergone a series of examinations.
In the initial stage, the doctor will ask a series of questions related to the symptoms you have, lifestyle, contact with sick people, and medical history that you or your child may have.
What is pneumonia, or wet lungs, and what causes it?
Pneumonia or wet lungs is a disease that can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs.
The infection causes the alveoli to fill with fluid or pus, making it difficult for the sufferer to breathe.
Although it often attacks children, pneumonia can also attack adults with symptoms and effects that are almost the same as in children.
Pneumonia has symptoms including
- Coughing can be dry or phlegmy, which can sometimes produce blood
- Chest pain and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fever
- Shivering but body sweating
- The body feels weak
In addition, there are some symptoms above that may only be felt in children, especially toddlers aged 0 – 2 years. They may not show any signs of infection, but show symptoms such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- The body feels weak and has no energy
- Fever and cough
However, for the elderly over 65 years of age, pneumonia can affect mental health and body temperature can be below average. Symptoms will usually be felt for 1 – 2 days and will continue to worsen if the condition does not improve.
But the symptoms felt by each person can be different, depending on the immune system of each person.