How to Treat Pneumonia?

According to WHO (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. 

Whether children or 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 that causes COVID-19, we are more aware of the presence of pneumonia. So, how to treat this pneumonia?

3 treatments for pneumonia 

Dr. Astri Indah Prameswari, Sp.P, a Lung and Respiratory Specialist from Eka Hospital BSD explained that 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. 

According to Dr. Astri, in treating pneumonia, doctors must know the cause and how severe your pneumonia is to provide the right treatment. Among them:

1. Treatment of pneumonia caused by bacteria

If pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will usually only give antibiotics to fight the bacterial infection. The form of the drug will be adjusted from the patient’s symptoms.

If the patient is in a mild symptom condition and can still consume food, the doctor will prescribe oral medication. However, if the patient’s condition is already in severe symptoms and accompanied by vomiting, the doctor will give antibiotics through an IV or injection.

2. Treatment of viral pneumonia

Pneumonia caused by a viral infection such as influenza or covid-19, then the doctor will give antiviral drugs to fight the virus.

Pneumonia caused by a viral infection usually lasts shorter than pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection. In general, patients can recover on their own within a few days or weeks, but this condition still needs to be checked by a doctor.

3. Treatment of fungal pneumonia

Fungal pneumonia is usually caused by a weakened immune system, such as in people undergoing chemotherapy. 

In this case, the doctor will give antifungal drugs to fight the fungal infection that causes pneumonia.

In addition, the doctor will also recommend other treatments to help reduce the symptoms of pneumonia. Starting from drugs to relieve coughs and chest pain, to aids such as ventilators if the patient’s condition is already having difficulty getting oxygen.

To prevent and reduce the risk of getting pneumonia in both children and adults, pneumonia vaccine can be given. 

In addition, some vaccines recommended to prevent pneumonia are influenza, PCV, Hib, Pneumococcal polysaccharide, pertussis, and smallpox vaccines. However, before getting the vaccine, it is a good idea to consult a doctor first.

Pneumonia is not a disease that we can take lightly. This condition is a disease that requires immediate treatment from a doctor. Therefore, we need to understand information related to pneumonia.

If you feel the above symptoms, immediately check yourself to a doctor to get the right treatment.