Just as Donguibogam emphasizes the significance of the lung, modern medicine also views the lung as an indispensable core organ for sustaining life. Unlike mild respiratory infections commonly called colds, pneumonia causes severe inflammation in the lungs that can become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
Pneumonia refers to inflammation occurring mainly in the pulmonary alveolus and the terminal portions of the bronchioles. When microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses enter the body, infiltrate lung tissue, and undergo proliferation, the immune response creates inflammation, filling the pulmonary alveolus with fluid or pus. Once the pulmonary alveolus fills with fluid, the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide cannot occur properly. Even when breathing, adequate oxygen cannot be supplied to the body, and carbon dioxide that must be expelled accumulates.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause, while various viruses such as influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus can also induce pneumonia. In a weakened immune state, pneumonia from fungal infection can also develop. Symptoms of pneumonia vary. Initially, it starts like a typical cold with high fever, chills, cough, and phlegm, but as the disease progresses, chest pain and dyspnea worsen, and in severe cases, cyanosis or decreased level of consciousness may appear. In vulnerable groups whose immune system is fragile, such as the elderly, infants, individuals with chronic disease, or those taking an immunosuppressant, it can bring fatal consequences, so even minor symptoms should not be taken lightly.
Diagnosis usually confirms inflammatory changes in the lungs via chest radiography, and as needed, a CT scan, blood test, and sputum test are performed to identify the causative organism. Depending on the pathogen, active medical management uses an antibiotic or antiviral drug, combined with supportive care including sufficient fluid intake, an antipyretic, and oxygen supply. Missing the treatment window can lead to complications such as pleurisy, lung abscess, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, leaving behind severe sequelae or leading to death, making prompt recognition of and response to early symptoms critical.
Ultimately, pneumonia is a condition that reminds us how crucial the immune system and lung health are. The significance of qi discussed in Donguibogam aligns closely with the modern medical concept of immunity. Cultivating everyday habits that maintain lung health and strengthen immunity is the most sensible way to protect the body from pneumonia.
