Dr. Mine Önal gave information about Pneumonia. Expert Dr. Regarding pneumonia, Önal said, “Pneumonia is a lung tissue infection. Although it can be seen in all age groups and in all seasons, its frequency increases in winter months and in older ages. It ranks first in deaths due to infection. Today, while deaths from infectious diseases are gradually decreasing thanks to the widespread use of antibiotics and immunization policies, pneumonia still carries a high risk of death and disability (sequelae). “Delays in diagnosis and treatment increase the risk of death,” he said.
‘INTENSE SMOKERS ARE AT RISK’
Referring to individuals with a high risk of pneumonia, Dr. Önal said, “The risk of developing pneumonia is high, especially in older ages (over 65 years of age), individuals with additional diseases such as COPD, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, chronic liver-kidney failure, cancer patients, heavy cigarette and alcohol consumption, and people using immune-suppressing drugs.” “It is higher,” he said.
Dr. Önal continued his words as follows;
“During normal breathing, the airways, and therefore the lungs, are constantly exposed to microorganisms (bacteria, viruses or fungi). The body’s general immune system, the anatomical structure of the upper airways, the cough reflex, or the thin brush-like microscopic structures (cilia) in the lower airways prevent the development of pneumonia. Malnutrition, exposure to extreme cold, influenza and similar viral infections that affect the upper respiratory tract, or any condition that suppresses immunity cause the defense mechanisms of the lungs to become disabled, leading to the development of pneumonia. The pathogenicity (disease-causing power) and density of the exposed microorganism are also effective in this process.”
‘COMPLAINS CAN BE VERY SEVERE, ACUTE OR FAILED, SNEAKY’
Stating that patient complaints and clinical picture in pneumonia vary depending on the type of microorganism, Önal said, “Usually bacteria and viruses, and rarely fungi, can cause pneumonia. There are two different presentations of pneumonia, roughly defined as typical and atypical. Most bacterial pneumonias have an acute and inflammatory onset with high fever, chills, cough, yellow, green, rust-coloured sputum, chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, rapid breathing and even confusion. Along with these complaints, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur. Lung infections caused by viruses, fungi and a group of bacteria defined as atypical usually begin with cold complaints. “It progresses with a faint and insidious picture with general findings such as slightly rising fever, headache, weakness and loss of appetite,” he said.
‘IN CASE OF A COUGH THAT DOESN’T GO DOWN, YOU SHOULD SEE A DOCTOR’
Giving information about in which cases a specialist physician should be consulted, Dr. Önal said, “In cases of high fever, worsening or persistent cough, newly developing shortness of breath, chest pain while breathing, sudden deterioration of the clinical condition after influenza infection, and changes in consciousness accompanying respiratory symptoms, it is necessary to apply to the hospital without delay.”
‘ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT SHOULD NOT BE INTERRUPTED’
Dr. Regarding the treatment, Önal said, “After the diagnosis is made, a decision is made for inpatient treatment at home or in the hospital, depending on the clinical condition of the patient. Empiric treatment is started without delay, depending on the possible cause. It is vital to use antibiotic treatment regularly and for a sufficient period of time. Antibiotics should not be stopped early because the complaints decrease or the person feels better. Generally, most patients can be treated successfully. The complaints begin to decrease on the 3rd to 5th day of treatment. Weakness and a relieved but persistent cough may last for a few more weeks. Delay in treatment, early termination, or complications may develop in patients in the above-mentioned risk group. “While complications such as fluid accumulation in the lung membrane, mixing of bacteria into the blood, and abscess formation may develop in the early period, hardening of the lung (fibrosis) and decrease in lung functions may occur in the late period,” he said.
‘VACCINE IS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR’
Expert Dr. Regarding ways to protect against pneumonia, Önal said, “Pneumonia vaccine is the most effective method for protection. Influenza vaccines are recommended not only to protect against influenza but also to prevent it from being complicated by pneumonia. “Keeping existing chronic diseases under control, avoiding smoking and heavy alcohol use, and using masks in closed and crowded places will be effective in preventing the development of pneumonia,” he said.
DHA