Pathology of the respiratory tract (II) pneumonia or yuxt

Consultation with the doctor

Does a pneumonia require hospitalization? Or when is it possible to treat it at home?

Pneumonia is something serious, although in strong and young people, with adequate treatment, it has a very good evolution. This possibility of hospitalization or home treatment of the patient, shows in each case the severity of the infection, which is reflected in X-rays and analytical results. In general, people over 50 and/or very young children enter the hospital and other diseases (diabetes, asthma, etc.) Also those who have, when a risk of decompensation of this disease is detected. Admission may be necessary when, for social reasons or for family difficulties, the patient cannot be adequately attended at home.

What are the differences and differences between bronchitis and pneumonia?

The infection of those who suffer bronchitis (especially chronic) is found in the bronchi and in pneumonia the infection is found in the lungs. Fever, karcavas and cough are symptoms that appear in both diseases, so it is very possible to mix these diseases or processes (especially at the beginning). However, chills usually occur in pneumonia, which on the other hand presents a greater anguish. In any case, the best separator diagnosis is given by chest x-ray: if it is a bronchitis there will be no alteration in the lungs, but if it is pneumonia we will see pulmonary condensation, h.d. a dense stain on the affected lung.

If a relative has pneumonia, will those who live with him easily become contaminated?

If a person is in good health, he or she has enough defense to not get the disease. And despite living with someone who is affected by pneumonia and inhaling germs that are in the air, their germ will arrive very little to the lungs, since their defense mechanisms (cough, mucus, white blood cells) will be responsible for eliminating them and eliminating them. Only very active germs, such as tuberculosis bacilli, will arrive after inhaling and attack the lung.

The most common form of capture of Alborengoa is through the transmission of germs found in his throat. These germs, which are usually found in the pharynx, are usually eliminated when you want to enter the airway. But if the defensive mechanism fails or if many germs manage to penetrate, a lung infection can occur.

What are “atypical” pneumonia?

Atypical pneumonia is understood to have no normal radiological symptoms and characteristics of conventional pneumonia. In recent years, scientific advances have allowed to identify microorganisms more rare than those that produce conventional pneumonia. Rare or “atypical” does not necessarily mean to be more burdensome than others. But it is important to detect it on time because they require antibiotics other than conventional treatment.

Are antibiotics always necessary in these cases?

No. Only when pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Today, thanks to antibiotics and a better diet, bacterial pneumonia are less numerous and many of them produced by viruses. These viral pneumonia, when supported by previously healthy people, evolve very well and recover spontaneously. The only treatment is to maintain the general condition of the patient in the best possible way through adequate rest and nourishment and hydration. Hot, antithermal and sedative drinks to relieve cough.

Is it possible that something goes from the “throat” and has pneumonia?

The entry of food fragments into the respiratory tract facilitates pneumonia. Although it seems rare, the entry of food into the bronchi or lungs occurs more than expected: it usually occurs in people who, being asleep, have vomiting or feed or drink strongly when they are trapped in the opposite throat. Also in people who are anesthetized or when a disease does not ingest properly or the cough reflex disappears. In addition, usually food is accompanied by germs that give rise to pneumonia. If substances come from the stomach, local acid can also cause injury. Aspiration pneumonia is very serious. Therefore, anyone who is not totally awake or clear will never necessarily give food or drink.

Is there no pulmonary vaccine?

The United States has tested a pneumonia vaccine caused by pneumococci, the most common bacteria. This vaccine provides a fairly effective protection. And it would not be bad that this vaccine was applied to people with greater predisposition to get the disease: cardiac patients, or suffering from bronchopolar diseases; to whom the spleen has been removed (whose defenses are very diminished); to people malnourished, old and generally weakened. On the other hand, the vaccine should never be given during pregnancy, and if children are at high risk they will be vaccinated after six months, repeating the vaccination at two years.