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You might not believe this but Pneumonia is one of the top illnesses that most Filipinos suffer from. The sad fact is, more lives were taken away because of this fatal condition. In the year 2004, the mortality rate of pneumonia in the Philippines reached 38.4 percent and we could only hope that the rate will not drastically hike up this year. But what really is pneumonia?

This disease is an inflammatory condition of one’s lungs, more especially on the microscopic air sacs or alveoli of the lung. Pneumonia also occurs when the lungs are filled with fluid which are called consolidation and exudation. This condition has various causes wherein, infection is the most common. Pneumonia is worsened through infecting agents that affect the lungs like bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses. As for other people might not be aware of, pneumonia can also occur through chemical burns and physical injuries.

In the Philippines, cases of pneumonia can increase during cold seasons (from the month of January to February). There had been reported death cases due to pneumonia in various provinces in the country like Cagayan, Baguio City and Benguet. Why is that, you ask. During cold weathers, one’s lungs need to work harder to get the right amount of oxygen to the body. This is because the high moisture in the atmosphere causes thin air. Most of the people being affected by pneumonia are the young and old ones – those who can’t cope up with the intense cold long enough.

That’s why if you will notice, athletes and boxers (like Manny Pacquiao) are being trained in a place with higher altitude to improve their cardiovascular system. This way, lungs are forced to work double-time in order to provide one’s body with the right amount of oxygen. Now, what are the symptoms of pneumonia? Provided below is a list of symptoms for infectious pneumonia that can