Pneumonia

Pneumonia Definition

Pneumonia is the name of a disease caused by inflammation of the lungs. It is an inflammation of the lung parenchyma. Pneumonia is usually caused by viral, bacterial, fungal infections. Pneumonia can range from mild to life-threatening. Pneumonia can also lead to flu. Pneumonia is more common in older people, those with long-term illnesses, or those with weakened or compromised immune systems. But young, young, healthy people can also get pneumonia. An infection of the lungs with bacteria such as streptococcus or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes the lungs to swell, fill with pus or fluid, which takes up oxygen and reduces the ability to breathe. Then there is inflammation in the lungs.

In simple words, the medical name of bacterial attack on the lungs is pneumonia. There are very few people who have not had pneumonia at least once in their life.

The disease is responsible for 16% of deaths in children under 5 months of age worldwide.

What kind of children are more at risk of pneumonia?

severely malnourished,

People suffering from infectious diseases such as measles, whooping cough,

Those with low immunity,

Those with congenital heart or lung disease,

newborn baby,

Air pollution, overcrowding.

Pneumonia symptoms

Symptoms of pneumonia vary. It depends on the physical condition and the type of infection. Symptoms of pneumonia are as follows:

fever

cough

shortness of breath

Kapuni

sweating

Chest pain that rises and falls with breathing

headache

Muscle aches

feeling tired

If we know the symptoms of pneumonia, we can easily diagnose whether the child has pneumonia or not.

Common symptoms of pneumonia:

Fever (moderate to severe),

cough,

shortness of breath,

Stop feeding the child if the breathing problem is severe.

Physical symptoms:

The child will be very upset.

Body temperature will rise.

Breathe with nostrils wide open,

If the oxygen in the body is too low, the head will shake.

In severe cases, the heart will make a loud noise.

The body may turn blue due to lack of oxygen.

Chest Symptoms:

Frequent breathing –

0-2 months: more than 60 breaths per minute,

2-12 months: more than 50 breaths per minute,

1-5 years: more than 40 breaths,

The chest will be pressed inwards

The heart rate will increase.

Besides, examination with a stethoscope will reveal more symptoms. If these symptoms appear, you should understand that the child has pneumonia and consult a doctor as soon as possible. Even if a child with pneumonia survives, serious complications can develop later. So there is no chance to ignore it just because it is cold.

Pneumonia treatment

antibiotics

Drink plenty of water

Take adequate rest

Wash hands thoroughly

Take care of yourself

A balanced diet should be taken

No smoking.

Avoid sneezing/coughing in front of others. While sneezing/coughing, cover your mouth with your hands or use a handkerchief.

Must be vaccinated. For example, the influenza vaccine is very effective against influenza.

Diabetes, AIDS, malnutrition etc. should be treated.

Pneumonia causes

Bacteria -> pneumococcus, staphylococcus etc.

Protozoa -> Entamoeba histolytica

Fungus: Fungus is mainly caused by people with low immune system.

the virus

chemicals

Sudden exposure to cold

Post-operation time etc.

How does Pneumonia occur?

After entering our respiratory system, pathogens reach the alveoli (balloon-like organs that expand and allow air to enter the lungs) and cause inflammation (the body's response to bacterial invasion). Due to the invasion of these germs, the cells of the baby's lungs lose their flexibility and become hard.

These changes can range from a small area of ​​the lung to a large area. This results in the lungs for gas exchange

The space inside decreases and the baby begins to have difficulty breathing because it does not get enough oxygen.

Outbreak of Pneumonia 

About 920,000 infants and toddlers die of pneumonia every year. Prevalence of pneumonia is high mainly in South Asia and the African continent south of the Sahara desert.

Diagnosis of Pneumonia 

Physical examination

Chest x-ray

Blood and phlegm/mucus tests

When to see a doctor for Pneumonia?

1. Abnormal fever, cough, shortness of breath, sweating, chest pain should go to the doctor immediately.

2. Besides

Those who are old and children

Those who smoke

Those who have had any lung injury

Those who have a weakened immune system due to chemotherapy (cancer treatment) or other medications.