Pneumonia (pneumonia) is one of the most common diseases that cause physician consultation and can lead to the highest number of deaths. It is more common in children, the elderly over the age of 65, people with chronic diseases (such as kidney, diabetes, heart or lung disease), smokers, people with a disease or medication that suppresses the immune system. Community-acquired pneumonia is responsible for a significant proportion of hospital admissions, treatment costs, lost work-school days and deaths worldwide. Symptoms of pneumonia (pneumonia) usually manifest themselves as sputum, fever and cough. Once pneumonia is diagnosed, treatment is started as deemed appropriate by the specialist doctor. Pneumonia treatment varies according to the person's age and underlying chronic diseases. When treating pneumonia, the specialist evaluates the patient individually and applies a treatment protocol.
What is Pneumonia (Pneumonia)?
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung, which we call pneumonia in medical language. It can occur due to germs such as bacteria, viruses, etc.
Pneumonia (pneumonia) is among the most common diseases that cause physician consultation and can lead to the most deaths. It is more common in children, the elderly over the age of 65, people with chronic diseases (such as kidney, diabetes, heart or lung disease), smokers, people with a disease or medication that suppresses the immune system. Community-acquired pneumonia is responsible for a significant proportion of hospital admissions, treatment costs, lost work and school days and deaths worldwide.
For some types of pneumonia, there is a risk of direct transmission from sick people to healthy people. However, pneumonia is most often caused when germs from the patient's own mouth, throat or digestive tract reach the lungs. These germs, which normally do not cause disease, cause pneumonia in people with weakened body defenses. Vomiting, prolonged surgeries, alcohol use, flu epidemics are among other factors that facilitate the development of pneumonia.
What are the Symptoms of Pneumonia?
Symptoms of pneumonia (pneumonia);
- Fever
- Cough
- Expectoration
- Chest pain is the most common symptom.
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent breathing,
- Muscle-joint pains,
- Symptoms such as weakness may also be observed.
In severe cases of pneumonia in a patient;
- Blue coloration of the skin and mucous membranes,
- Severe shortness of breath,
- Low blood pressure
- There may be confusion.
What are the similarities between pneumonia and other diseases?
Pneumonia (pneumonia), pulmonary edema due to heart failure, embolism, hemorrhage called hemorrhage, damage to the lung caused by chemicals, drug reactions, systemic rheumatic diseases, pulmonary edema.diseases such as sarcoidosis hypersensitivity lung disease, acute exacerbation of COPD, asthma attack, acute bronchitis, tuberculosis, commonly known as tuberculosis, and even lung cancer. In addition, these confusable diseases can sometimes be accompanied by pneumonia (pneumonia).
How should pneumonia (pneumonia) be treated?
Antibiotics, plenty of fluids, rest, painkillers and antipyretics are usually used. Patients who need hospitalization may require different treatments. In very severe cases of pneumonia, hospitalization in intensive care and respiratory support may be necessary.
After the clinical condition of the patient is fully evaluated, the place of treatment is determined and the necessary tests are requested. Antibiotic treatments are initiated taking into account risk factors, probable microorganisms according to risk factors and severity of the disease. The duration and course of treatment is determined according to the results and the patient's response to the treatment.
The duration of treatment may vary depending on the initial severity of the disease, the microorganism responsible, the presence or absence of a concomitant disease and the individual response of the patient. Usually after the fever subsides
It is recommended to continue antibiotics for another 5-7 days. However, in cases of pneumonia due to some types of microbes, it may be necessary to extend the treatment period to 10-14 days and sometimes up to 21 days.
What is the prognosis if pneumonia is not treated?
Today, while deaths from infectious diseases are gradually decreasing due to the widespread use of antibiotics and effective immunization policies, pneumonia developing in the community is still a high cause of morbidity and mortality. In our country, lower respiratory tract infections are the 5th leading cause of death with 4.2%. Studies conducted in our country have shown that the mortality rate of pneumonia (pneumonia) varies between 1% and 60% depending on the severity of the disease and the rate is significantly higher (.3-60) in hospitalized pneumonia.
What are the ways to prevent pneumonia?
One of the most important ways is vaccination. According to the national vaccination calendar announced by the Ministry of Health, all children under 2 years of age should be vaccinated against pneumonia (pneumococcal vaccine). People over 65 years of age or those with risk factors should also consult their doctor about the pneumococcal vaccine.
- Maintain hand hygiene after touching your mouth and nose and before touching food.
- Use tissues when coughing and sneezing and wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid habits such as smoking and alcohol, which weaken the immune system.
- Do not share utensils such as glasses, forks and spoons.
What are the Causes of Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is usually caused by infection with bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal microbe). This bacterium causes 50% of community-acquired pneumonia. Coronavirus, influenza, adenovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), which causes bronchiolitis in children, are the most common microorganisms causing pneumonia. People with a very low immune system may rarely develop fungal pneumonia.
How is pneumonia (pneumonia) diagnosed?
After the examination of patients complaining of pneumonia symptoms, a chest radiograph is taken and the diagnosis is made. In severe cases of pneumonia, further investigations such as computed tomography, blood and sputum tests may be necessary. A sputum sample can be taken to determine which germ causes pneumonia. However, it may not always be possible to identify the germ.
