Being informed about pneumonia and ways to prevent it is necessary to live a healthy life. It should not be forgotten that millions of people die due to pneumonia every year, so being aware and taking the necessary precautions can be lifesaving. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in successfully managing pneumonia.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia, medically known as pneumonia, is a serious respiratory infection that occurs with inflammation of the lung tissue. This disease, which is common among both children and adults, can be severe, especially in people with weak immune systems. Pneumonia can be triggered by a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The most common agent is the bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. However, the flu virus can also lead to severe cases of pneumonia.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia?
Symptoms of pneumonia include high fever, chills, cough, phlegm production, chest pain and shortness of breath. These symptoms often begin suddenly and can worsen rapidly. In the elderly and people with weak immune systems, symptoms may be milder, which may make diagnosis difficult. In some cases, pneumonia begins with cold or flu-like symptoms and worsens over time.
How is pneumonia treated?
Treatment for pneumonia varies depending on the type of pneumonia and the patient’s general health condition. Mild cases of pneumonia can usually be treated at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and using over-the-counter antipyretic and pain medications. Hospitalization may be required in severe cases of pneumonia or in patients in risk groups (elderly, infants, chronically ill patients). In this case, the patient may receive oxygen therapy or intravenous drug therapy. How to treat pneumonia:
- During hospitalization, your doctor will apply the necessary treatment.
- In cases of bacterial pneumonia, the doctor usually prescribes antibiotics.
- Antiviral drugs can be used in case of viral pneumonia, and antifungal drugs can be used in fungal pneumonia.
- Pay attention to personal hygiene.
- Quit smoking.
- Pay attention to a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep.
- It is important to get enough rest so the body can fight infection.
- Liquids such as water, herbal teas and fruit juices help healing by maintaining the body’s moisture balance.
When is pneumonia dangerous?
Pneumonia can be dangerous at any age, but some people have a higher risk of causing more serious complications. Pneumonia is dangerous if it shows the following symptoms:
- Fever of 38°C or higher persists for more than 72 hours or does not decrease
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- Rapid breathing (more than 38 breaths per minute)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- confusion
- Overstrain
- dehydration
- If your fever has not gone down or your cough continues to be severe 72 hours after treatment
- Green or yellow phlegm
- bloody sputum
- chest pain
- increased shortness of breath
- rapid heartbeat
- Swelling in ankles or feet
Pneumonia is also dangerous for children under 2 years of age, people over 65, people with weakened immune systems, people who have been recently hospitalized, people with chronic diseases, and people with weakened immune systems.