Understand pneumonia and prevent it scientifically

It's autumn and winter again. Due to the dry weather and cold air, this is the peak period for various respiratory diseases. As the most common complication of "flu" and "colds", pneumonia is often a manifestation of worsening illness. Especially for people with low immunity, the incidence and hospitalization rates of pneumonia in winter increase significantly.

Pneumonia is a serious lung infection caused by a variety of pathogens (such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc.), some of which can be transmitted through the air. Other factors such as radiation, chemicals, and allergies can also cause pneumonia.

Clinical symptoms

Rapid or difficult breathing; cough and fever; chills; anorexia; wheezing. WHO emphasizes that rapid breathing is the main manifestation of pneumonia. The standard for rapid breathing is: <2 months old, breathing ≥60 times/minute; 2-12 months old, breathing ≥50 times/minute; 1-5 years old, breathing ≥40 times/minute. Children with moderate to severe chest retraction, bluish complexion or around the mouth, flaring nostrils, respiratory arrest, groaning and difficulty eating indicate a more serious condition. Accompanied by hypotension, hypothermia, convulsions, abdominal distension, diarrhea, bloody stools, edema, etc.

Mode of transmission

Pneumonia is spread in many ways. Bacteria and viruses can also be spread through the respiratory tract by inhalation of droplets in the air produced by coughing or sneezing.

Season

Pneumonia is more common in winter and spring. With global climate change and increasing environmental pollution, the incidence and mortality of pneumonia have increased year by year, becoming an important issue in the global public health field.

How to prevent it

As a respiratory disease, taking some preventive measures in life can reduce the incidence of pneumonia.

1) Open windows appropriately every day to ensure indoor air circulation and reduce indoor air pollution.

2) Moderate exercise and a balanced diet help boost your immune system.

3) Good hygiene habits, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding contact with infected people and objects, can reduce the spread of pneumonia.

4) Since bacteria are often transmitted through droplets, when family members or people around you are sick, take protective measures, minimize contact, and avoid cross infection.

5) People with weakened immune systems can get influenza and pneumonia vaccines ahead of time.

6) If you have chronic diseases such as COPD, diabetes, etc., you should actively manage the disease to reduce the risk of infection.

How to treat

Pneumonia is a preventable and curable disease. It can be prevented through simple measures such as vaccination, and can also be treated through low-cost, low-tech methods such as early diagnosis and proper use of antibiotics. Vaccines against measles, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB), and pneumococcal can effectively prevent pneumonia. Experts predict that vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococcal can reduce the mortality rate of children caused by pneumonia by about half. In addition to active and effective anti-infection treatment, necessary nutritional support and rest can improve nutritional status and enhance immune function. At the same time, it also calls on health departments to strengthen the prevention and treatment of pneumonia.

For patients with severe pneumonia, hormone therapy will be considered. Short-term hormone therapy can reduce inflammation, enhance resistance, and significantly improve symptoms. Children or the elderly will have hypoxia due to breathing difficulties, and at this time, nasal cannula or mask oxygen therapy is required. Those who cannot breathe independently will generally use assisted ventilation to improve the patient's prognosis.

In addition, there are supportive treatments such as nebulization inhalation, postural drainage and expectoration, and assisting bedridden patients to turn over and pat their backs.