Pneumonia: everything you need to know about it

Pneumonia is one disease that shouldn't be taken lightly.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), it was the leading cause of death in the Philippines in 2016, with over 57,900 individuals who died because of pneumonia.

"Ang pneumonia ay impeksyon na nagpapamaga sa baga. Nangyayari ito kapag may alveoli or 'yung mga maliliit na tila lobong mga istruktura sa lungs na napupuno. Tuloy, 'di makapagdali ito ng oxygen sa dugo," said Pinoy MD host Connie Sison in a Saturday report.

Dr. Guinevere Dy-Afra, a pulmonologist at St. Luke's Medical Center, told Pinoy MD that the pneumonia is caused by inflammatory secretions like phlegm and pus getting stuck in the air sacs or alveoli in a person's lungs.

There are three types of pneumonia: viral, bacterial and fungal. According to Afra, the most common type was bacterial.

"Kadalasan, mas common is bacterial pneumonia, so antibiotic. Pagka mas matindi, 'yung mga nao-ospital, sa swero dinadaan ang antibiotics," said Afra.

Even if the deadly disease can be treated with antibiotics, anyone can contract the disease, the pulmonologist explained.

However, children and the elderly are more likely to contract it, she said.

"Nakakahawa din siya. Kaya nga kasi droplets 'no...let's say naubo ako and I did not cover, it can travel and you might pick it up. Pwedeng na-inhale mo siya or may nahawakan kang surface. Kadalasan may phlegma [ang pasyente na may pneumonia] so pag pinakinggan siya by oscultation, may mga crackles na tinatawag kadalasan. Of course, nagmamanifest siya sa x-ray," said Afra.

The symptoms include coughing, difficulty of breathing, getting easily fatigued, shaking and fever.

The doctor added that urgent treatment was crucial in patients suspected of contracting pneumonia. According to her, she said that those who have been continuously coughing for three days must consult with a doctor.

"Pagka hindi nagagamot, patindi ng patindi 'yung infection," Afra explained.

Aside from seeing a doctor and taking antibiotics, patients diagnosed with pneumonia must eat a nutritious diet filled with Zinc, Vitamin D, and other minerals.

According to the Pinoy MD report, if the pneumonia-diagnosed patient does not undergo any medication, it could result to his or her death.

"Maraming possible complications. Pwedeng magkaroon ng water sa lungs, we call it pleural effusion. Pwedeng kumalat 'yung infection sa katawan. Ibig sabihin, 'yung bacteria, hindi lang siya nasa lungs, nasa blood na. Ang tawag doon, bacterimia na pwedeng mag sepsis. Ibig sabihin, 'yung infection masyado nang malala. Kalat na kalat sa buong katawan," said Afra.

According to Pinoy MD, here are some ways to prevent the spread and transmission of pneumonia:

1. Wash your hands to get rid of any bacteria
2. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
3. Drink lots of water
4. Sleep early
5. Eat nutritious food.

Afra also talked about a vaccine that could help prevent streptococcus pneumonia, the most common type of pneumonia found in communities.  — Angelica Y. Yang/LA, GMA News