Pneumonia epidemic in China: What are the different types of lung infections and their symptoms

Several hospitals in northern China have been overwhelmed due to a wave of undiagnosed childhood pneumonia in several cities, including Beijing, according to various international reports.

this World Health Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally asked Asian countries to “provide detailed information on an increase in respiratory illness and pneumonia clusters in children” after telling a press conference on November 13 that “China’s National Health Services Commission authorities will report an increase in childhood infections.” Case”. incidence of respiratory illness,” the agency said in a statement.

In response to the request, the top international health entity held a conference call with Chinese health authorities, in which they provided requested data on respiratory illnesses among children in northern China, the report said. WHO.which “shows an increase in outpatient and inpatient admissions among children due to pneumonia Mycoplasma pneumoniae Since May, and since October, RSV, adenovirus, and influenza viruses“.”Some of this growth occurred earlier in the season than has been experienced historically – STATEMENT CONTINUED – But this is not surprising given the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, as other countries have experienced similar situations.

The World Health Organization defines pneumonia as an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. Physically, they explain, these organs are made up of “small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when healthy people breathe.” When a person has pneumonia, the alveoli in the lungs fill with pus and fluid, which can make breathing painful and limit oxygen intake. “

this pneumonia Is Main infectious causes of death in children Children under five worldwide.

Inquiring about this databaseinfectious disease doctor Maria Cecilia Nicodemy A staff member at Doctors Stanbulian Medical Center and San Isidro Nursing Home in Trinidad (MN 105624) said, “Pneumonia is a respiratory tract infection This may be caused by different microorganisms, e.g. bacteria -the most common of which are pneumococci-, some Virus – such as influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus or SARS-CoV-2 – in some endemic areas, especially in patients, it can also be caused by different fungi.

Therefore, it can be said Three main types of pneumonia, According to the reasons, it can be divided into: Bacteria, viruses and fungi. There is also the so-called “in hospital” refers to medical center infections where patients are hospitalized for other reasons.

“clinical picture All cases are similar,” Nicodemy said of the symptoms of the disease, adding: “Pneumonia causes fever, cough, chest pain, stitches on one side, coughing up phlegm and breathing Difficultly, these symptoms are similar for all pneumonias. “

After clearly stating that “pneumonia cannot be distinguished clinically”, the expert explained that “diagnosis is made by microbiology research Specifically, it defines the origin or cause of the infection. Molecular techniques such as blood cultures, respiratory sample cultures, or PCR, which are mainly used to detect viral infections, can be performed.

About this wave of pneumonia epidemic Chinathe authorities call it “Undiagnosed”Niccodemi explains, “It’s called that because It’s unclear what the pathogen is. Pneumonia; it’s unclear whether it’s a single bacterium or a different bacterium that began spreading after the strict restrictions imposed during previous winters since the emergence of COVID-19 were lifted.

this bacterial pneumonia This is the most common type, as mentioned above, and is caused by bacteria, which means it’s easily treated with antibiotics. David Wu, a pulmonary specialist at Baylor College of Medicine in the United States, emphasized that “for many patients, treating pneumonia with antibiotics will help relieve symptoms and help them start to feel better within a few days of starting treatment.” The earlier the treatment, The better. “

He added: “There is also a vaccine that protects against the most important strains of bacteria that cause pneumonia and is approved for use in certain groups, including patients over 65 and those with certain pre-existing conditions.”

this viral pneumonia It’s less common, but the fact is that many viral infections start in the upper respiratory tract and then descend into the lungs, so “viral infections can also weaken a patient’s immune system, leading to bacterial pneumonia, making them susceptible to germs Infect”. Secondary infection. “Experts explained.

So while no viruses can be treated with antibiotics, there are vaccines that can help prevent infection: the annual flu shot, the COVID-19 vaccine, and the recently approved eligible RSV vaccine.

at last, fungal pneumonia They are rare and usually occur in patients with pre-existing conditions such as a compromised immune system.

“Fungal pneumonia tends to affect people with autoimmune diseases, patients undergoing chemotherapy or other chronic conditions that may affect the body’s immune system,” said Lucas Kimmig, a pulmonologist at the center. ) explain. medical university of chicagoFor them, “fungal pneumonia requires a different treatment strategy and tends to be more severe due to complications from the pneumonia and the patient’s other underlying conditions.”

As seen, the initial symptoms may not explain the condition, and what starts as a simple flu can become complicated. Therefore, experts insist against self-medicating and seeing a doctor at the first warning sign.