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Coughing, difficulty in breathing, and fever are symptoms that give people the heebie-jeebies in this time of Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic. Many victims of this global pandemic usually suffer from the disease called - Pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the lungs. It happens when the alveoli or the small balloon-like structures in the lungs are congested. As a result, it fails to carry oxygen to the blood.

“So, most of the time, there's inflammation, phlegm, pus - these inflammatory secretions are stuck in the parts of air sacks or alveoli, “ said Dr. Guinevere Dy-Agra, a pulmonologist at St. Luke's Medical Center.

Common signs of pneumonia are profuse coughing, difficulty in breathing, a general feeling of weakness, chills, and fever.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), pneumonia is the third cause of death in the Philippines. It may spread through viral, bacterial, and fungal infections which means, pneumonia can affect anyone.

It is important to note that the most vulnerable to the disease are the children and senior citizens, but in some instances, it can also attack those in the median years,

People can be infected with pneumonia when they are directly exposed to contaminated droplets released by an infected person who coughed or sneezed without covering their mouth and nose.

During flu season, it is advisable to avoid enclosed crowded places and refrain from touching usually contaminated surfaces like elevator buttons, door handle, handrails, etc.

In addition, pneumonia, if left untreated, may cause water to enter the lungs and may result in death.

As in any ailment, prevention is always the key. Taking Zinc and Vitamin D supplements, having a healthy lifestyle by going to bed early, and of course, regular exercise to improve the immune system are a few ways to prevent contracting pneumonia.

Furthermore, frequent handwashing with soap and water and maintaining a clean and healthy body are also recommended.

There are available vaccines in the market and in some cases, prescription antibiotics are enough for pneumonia caused by a bacterial infection.

10 ways to manage your health at home if you have COVID-19

Remember, early detection is very important. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms enumerated above, It is best to consult a doctor.

Watch this Pinoy MD episode to learn more about pneumonia:

For more lifestyle content, you may head to the GMA Lifestyle page.