One in three adults with pneumonia requires hospitalization

risk factors

Anyone can get pneumonia, even those who are in good health. However, there are some risk factors that increase the chance of developing pneumonia.Including agebecause people over 65 and young girls and boys under 5 “are at greater risk of contracting pneumonia because their immune systems are more fragile.”

So is he smokes Dr. Julio Pérez Izquierdo adds that it can contribute to the development of pneumonia, whether in active or passive smokers, “because tobacco smoke weakens the respiratory tract and reduces the immune system’s ability to fight infection.”Other medical problems, such as chronic disease

Conditions such as diabetes or COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also increase the risk of pneumonia.

The patient suffers from weakened immune system, whether due to HIV/AIDS, cancer treatment, or organ transplantation, there is also a higher risk. “These patients are often targets of pneumonia caused by fungi.” In addition, IMQ pulmonologists also listed “exposure to environmental pollutants, prolonged hospitalization and living in a care center” as risk factors. “All factors must be considered when identifying pneumonia and its possible causes.”

Symptoms and diagnosis

Most symptoms of pneumonia can be confused with symptoms of other illnesses.this cough

This is one of the most common symptoms and may start out dry but later become prolific, meaning the production of phlegm or mucus. Additionally, inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs can make normal breathing difficult and cause you to feel nauseous. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing deeply with pain Appears in the chest when breathing or coughing.Another most common symptom is high fever, and may exceed 38°C. Some people with pneumonia may experience chills and profuse sweating, especially if accompanied by fever. Headache, loss of appetite, and general weakness may also occur.

«The diagnosis of pneumonia is made by Evaluate Among all these symptoms, Lung auscultationwhich gives us information about changes in bilateral lung ventilation as well as supplementary tests such as blood tests or chest X-rays,” explains Dr. Pérez Izquierdo.

treatment method

Treatment for pneumonia depends on the cause and severity of the disease. “In most cases of suspected bacterial infection, antibiotic to eliminate bacteria. Medications may also be recommended to relieve symptoms such as fever, cough, and pain.

Refers Symptom duration”, “Most, such as chest pain and fever, improve within a few days. It usually takes 2 or 3 weeks for the cough to go away, but it may take up to 6 months for the fatigue and weakness to go away completely. It is important to rest and stay well hydrated during treatment. In more severe cases, pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory failure requiring hospitalization with supplemental oxygen and intravenous therapy,” emphasizes the IMQ pulmonologist.

Complications and mortality

It is worth mentioning that pneumonia can lead to serious complications, such as prolonged illness. blood infection, leading to what is called “sepsis.” This condition occurs in up to one-third of cases and is associated with a higher mortality rate than a heart attack. Regardless, it is important to complete treatment to ensure full recovery. Although most people affected by this disease get better, if the pneumonia is very severe, it can lead to death, even with the best treatment. Furthermore, pneumonia significantly worsens patients’ quality of life, as they are usually elderly.

For Dr. Pérez Izquierdo, it is important to emphasize that although pneumonia “remains an important cause of death, the mortality rate has declined in recent years due to advances in the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. However, that prevention Still the key. vaccination Fighting COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal bacteria reduces the risk of pneumonia. It is estimated that the flu vaccine prevents approximately 39% of deaths. The vaccines also help reduce the severity of illness in those infected and avoid complications and hospitalizations. Additionally, we have observed a reduction in disease transmission, which helps protect the entire community.