How to Treat Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, and Best Treatments

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Are you having trouble breathing and experiencing chest pain? These could be signs of pneumonia, a serious lung infection that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can be dangerous if left untreated, most people recover with proper medical care and rest. Knowing how to treat pneumonia is essential for a quick and safe recovery.

Many people think pneumonia is just a severe cold, but it can be much more serious. The infection can cause significant discomfort and, in some cases, may require hospitalization, especially for young children, older adults, and those with other health conditions. Recognizing pneumonia early and seeking the right care can make a big difference in recovery.

In this article, we will explain what pneumonia is, what causes it, and how to treat pneumonia effectively. We will also discuss whether pneumonia is contagious and what symptoms to watch for. We gathered the information from various sources, Monday (25/10/2025).

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It occurs when the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid or pus due to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on a person’s overall health and the type of germ causing the infection.

While anyone can develop pneumonia, certain groups are at higher risk, including young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses. Some cases require hospitalization, while others can be managed at home with proper care, including rest, medication, and hydration. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery.

Pneumonia is caused by different germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

- Bacteria: The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila, can also cause pneumonia.

- Viruses: Viruses like influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to viral pneumonia.

- Fungi: Fungal pneumonia is rare and usually affects people with weak immune systems. Fungi like Histoplasmosis and Cryptococcus can cause lung infections.

Pneumonia can also develop if a person breathes in food, liquid, or vomit into the lungs. This is called aspiration pneumonia.

The symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

- Cough (with mucus that may be green, yellow, or bloody)

- Fever and chills

- Shortness of breath

- Chest pain that worsens when coughing or breathing deeply

- Fatigue and weakness

- Loss of appetite

- Nausea and vomiting (more common in children)

- Confusion (common in older adults)

If you or someone you know has these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention, especially if breathing becomes difficult.

Some types of pneumonia are contagious, meaning they can spread from person to person. Bacterial and viral pneumonia can be passed through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can also get pneumonia by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose.

Fungal pneumonia, however, is not contagious. It develops when a person breathes in fungal spores from the environment.

The best way to prevent contagious pneumonia is by washing hands regularly, avoiding close contact with sick people, and getting vaccinated against flu and pneumococcal infections.

So, how to treat pneumonia? The treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause of the infection and the severity of symptoms.

Medical Treatment

- Antibiotics: If pneumonia is caused by bacteria, doctors will prescribe antibiotics. It is important to take the full course of medication even if symptoms improve.

- Antiviral Medications: If pneumonia is caused by a virus like the flu, antiviral drugs may be prescribed. However, most viral pneumonia cases get better with rest and supportive care.

- Hospitalization: Severe pneumonia cases, especially in older adults or people with weak immune systems, may require hospitalization. Treatment in the hospital includes oxygen therapy, intravenous (IV) fluids, and breathing support if needed.

Home Remedies to Ease Pneumonia Symptoms

While medical treatment is necessary, home remedies can help manage pneumonia symptoms and support recovery.

- Get Plenty of Rest: Resting allows the body to fight the infection and recover faster. Avoid strenuous activities until you feel better.

- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, tea, and clear soups to help loosen mucus and prevent dehydration.

- Use a Humidifier: Breathing moist air can help ease breathing difficulties and loosen mucus in the lungs.

- Gargle with Salt Water: This can help soothe a sore throat and remove mucus.

- Drink Warm Herbal Teas: Peppermint, ginger, and turmeric teas have anti-inflammatory properties and can help relieve cough and chest pain.

- Take Over-the-Counter Medications: Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever and body aches. However, avoid cough medicine unless prescribed by a doctor, as coughing helps clear mucus from the lungs.

Prevention is better than cure. Here are some steps to reduce your risk of getting pneumonia:

- Get Vaccinated: The flu vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent pneumonia caused by these infections.

- Wash Your Hands Regularly: Keeping hands clean reduces the spread of germs that can cause pneumonia.

- Quit Smoking: Smoking damages the lungs and makes it easier for infections to develop.

- Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep can boost your immune system and help prevent infections.

- Avoid Sick People: If someone around you has a respiratory infection, try to maintain distance to avoid catching the illness.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection, but with the right treatment, most people recover fully. Knowing how to treat pneumonia with medical care and home remedies can help ease symptoms and speed up recovery. Prevention, through vaccination and healthy habits, is key to reducing the risk of pneumonia. If you or a loved one shows signs of pneumonia, seek medical help to avoid complications and ensure a full recovery.