Pneumonia, or pneumonia as it is commonly known, is the filling of the air sacs in the lung with an inflamed fluid. Pneumonia, which is caused by viruses, bacteria and rarely fungal infections reaching the lungs, is highly contagious. Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in children aged 0-4 in our country.
The disease can be seen at any age, but pneumonia can be very dangerous in children under the age of 2, in people with a weak immune system and in people over 65 years of age. Pneumonia is mostly seen in children with a history of concomitant heart disease or lung disease, and in premature babies (premature babies). As pneumonia symptoms are frequently confused with upper respiratory tract infection, coronavirus symptoms and flu, patients may apply to the doctor late, which leads to the progression of the disease and delays in treatment. It is thought that about 7% of all deaths in the world are caused by pneumonia.
How is it transmitted?
Influenza and similar viral respiratory infections that predispose to pneumonia are highly contagious. They can be spread by sneezing and coughing, as well as by contact with items such as mouth, glass, handkerchief, cutlery, door handle, and then by contact with hands to mouth. It is important that the sick person does not get too close to the elderly, pregnant women and children. Public transportation vehicles and crowded places also increase the risk.
Protection from Disease
The most effective way to protect against pneumonia is vaccines. The Ministry of Health reported that all children should be vaccinated against pneumonia at the end of the 2, 4, 6 and 12 months in the national vaccination calendar. (Conjugated Pneumococcal-KPA at 2,4,12 months, Haemophilus influenzae type b-Hib vaccines administered in a 5-pack at 2,4,6,12 months). In addition, people with risk factors, especially those over the age of 65, should consult their physician regarding the issue. It is quite important.
Treatment Methods
In the treatment of pneumonia, the patient's clinical condition, age, type of causative bacteria or virus, radiological and laboratory findings, and personal risk factors should be taken into account. is taken. If there are signs of respiratory failure, it may be appropriate to carry out the treatment in the hospital. However, if the general condition and clinical findings of the patient allow, the treatment can be carried out at home and followed up by calling for control at close intervals.
Antibiotic treatment is not generally used in pneumonia caused by viruses. In such cases, your doctor will advise you to rest and drink plenty of fluids, and if he deems it appropriate, he may prescribe some medications to reduce your complaints. If symptoms are severe or there are additional health problems that increase your chances of complications, treatment may need to continue in the hospital.
Pneumonia caused by bacteria is treated with antibiotics. Rest is very important in pneumonia. There may be mild symptoms of weakness for a month after the disease has healed. If the patient does not go to the doctor and uses antibiotics on his own, the disease becomes much worse and increases the danger. Medication should be avoided without medical supervision.
Read: 0
