Coughing is the body's natural response to clear the respiratory tract of irritation or infection. However, not all coughs can be considered trivial. In some cases, coughing can be a symptom of pneumonia, a lung infection that can be dangerous if not treated properly. So, how do you distinguish a normal cough from a cough caused by pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Lately, pneumonia cases have been increasing, not only in Indonesia, but also throughout the world. In fact, many people around us are experiencing prolonged coughs and colds. If the cough does not improve with treatment, we must be alert, maybe it is pneumonia.
Recognizing Pneumonia Symptoms
Pneumonia has several typical symptoms known as the Pneumonia Triad, namely:
- Fever – Body temperature rises as the body's response to fighting infection.
- Cough – May be accompanied by phlegm.
- Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs.
In more severe cases, pneumonia symptoms can also cause chest pain to decreased consciousness. Further examination such as chest X-rays can show infiltrates or spots on the lungs as a typical sign of pneumonia.
Difference Between Common Cough and Pneumonia Cough
Often times, individuals are confused about differentiating between a normal cough and a cough that is a symptom of pneumonia.
The common cough referred to is a cough due to ARI or upper respiratory tract infection. How is it different from a cough in pneumonia?
In pneumonia, there is fluid that fills the air sacs in the lungs (alveoli), so that in addition to coughing, sufferers also experience shortness of breath and chest pain. While in ISPA, complaints are usually limited to the upper respiratory tract such as the throat and nose, without any shortness of breath or chest pain.
Cough due to ARI will generally improve within 3-5 days after being treated. However, if after more than 5 days the cough does not improve, especially if antibiotics have been given but there is no change, then you need to be aware of the possibility of pneumonia.
When to See a Doctor?
Regarding shortness of breath as one of the symptoms of pneumonia, it does not always lead to pneumonia. Actually, there are many causes of shortness of breath, not only pneumonia but also due to the heart, even due to the stomach - that can also cause shortness of breath.
To find out whether the shortness of breath experienced by someone is a symptom of pneumonia, namely by observing other accompanying symptoms such as prolonged coughing, high fever, and chest pain. If an individual experiences all three symptoms at the same time, it is advisable to immediately see a doctor. Further examinations such as lung x-rays and sputum analysis can help determine the correct diagnosis.
The article was created based on the Healthy Monday program in collaboration between EMC Healthcare and Liputan6, with resource persons, Lung and Respiratory Specialists , dr. Herman, Sp.P (EMC Sentul Hospital) and dr. Maria Dewi Caetline, Sp.P (EMC Cibitung & Cikarang Hospital).