Pneumonia

According to statistical medical indicators, about 10% of patients die from pneumonia every year. This ailment has become very dangerous, but if it is detected in time, the therapy will be effective. Why is pneumonia so dangerous? Symptoms in adults and the treatment of this disease have their own specifics.

Who is at risk?

Pneumonia is the scientific name for pathology in lung tissue. In everyday life, we often hear about pneumonia. Indeed, with the development of pneumonia in the lung tissues inflammatory processes occur. Often simple respiratory diseases, bronchitis and a number of other pathologies of the respiratory system organs lead to the appearance of such a disease.

People of all ages are not insured against pneumonia. But under the influence of certain factors, we fall into the risk zone. So, the following factors may affect the development of this disease:

• excessive hypothermia;
• pathologies of chronic nasal passages;
• weakening of immunity;
• impaired functioning of the heart muscle;
• chronic lung disease;
• taking pharmacological drugs that weaken the body’s immune defenses;
• endocrine system pathologies;
• surgical interventions;
• elderly age;
• smoking.

General symptoms of pneumonia

In medical practice, pneumonia is classified into several groups, in particular:

• acute;
• croupous;
• chronic;
• focal.

Also, this disease is classified by the type of pathogen (viral infection). Of course, each form of pneumonia has its own specific symptoms. We will return to this a little later, but now I would like to consider in detail the general symptoms of pneumonia in adults. So, this very dangerous disease is characterized by the following signs:

• temperature rise to 38-40 °;
• excessive sweating;
• confusion;
• chills;
• cough with intense intensity;
• lack of oxygen (shortness of breath).

The listed symptoms are considered common. As already mentioned, depending on the form of the pathology, additional signs may appear that indicate pneumonia. Often a person feels pain in the thoracic region, which can give even in the lower back. Against the background of an increase in temperature, fatigue, pathological weakness and a feeling of sleepiness appear. A person cannot fully recover and gain strength during the time allotted for rest.

Dyspnea attacks occur at the stage when the pulmonary cavity is filled with fluid and the person simply does not have enough inhaled air. Along with inflammation of the lungs, associated illnesses that have characteristic symptoms may develop, for example:

• otitis;
• nasal congestion;
• pain in the articular and muscular tissues;
• sore throat;
• herpes;
• gag reflexes;
• upset stool;
• headaches of varying intensity;
• kidney pain.

When the primary symptoms of pneumonia in adults appear, an immediate examination is required and treatment should begin. This disease can cause the development of complicated consequences and even lead to death.

How to recognize viral pneumonia?

As already mentioned, the development of pneumonia can be provoked by various viral, bacteriological, fungal and other infectious microorganisms. Most often in medical practice found viral pneumonia. Its pathogens are viruses of influenza, smallpox, herpes, etc.

Symptoms of viral pneumonia in adults depend on the form of the pathogen. So, with the development of pneumonia against the background of influenza disease in humans, the following symptoms may occur:

• a sharp increase in body temperature;
• bleeding from the nasal passages;
• sputum discharge when coughing with blood clots (only in case of damage to the vascular walls).

If pneumonia is caused by parainfluenza microorganisms, the following symptoms appear:

• rave;
• convulsive phenomena;
• gag reflexes;
• headaches;
• heat.

If the causative agent of pneumonia is adenovirus, then shortness of breath begins to appear. A person most often falls ill with additional rhinitis or pharyngitis.

We diagnose radical pneumonia together with a specialist

I would like to pay particular attention to root pneumonia. Due to the localization of the inflammatory focus, it is often difficult to recognize such a disease at the initial stage. Initially, the pathology may be asymptomatic, so the person does not apply in a timely manner to a medical institution.

With the development of this form of the disease, an inflammation center appears in the basal pulmonary system. Radical pneumonia in adults is characterized by the following symptoms:

• the presence of pulmonary wheeze;
• increase in body temperature, which can not be reduced with the help of pharmacological preparations;
• intense cough of various types, including with the production of sputum;
• sore throat;
• chills.

When at least 3 signs appear, do not overstay a visit to the doctor. Through radiography, a specialist will be able to diagnose pathology and prescribe the correct complex treatment.

Symptoms of pneumonia without fever

As you have already noticed, one of the main symptoms of pneumonia in adults is a sharp rise in body temperature to high elevations. However, there is a form of pathology in which the temperature rise is not observed. Doctors call it latent or chronic pneumonia. Most often, it appears on the background of an acute form of pneumonia, if it is not cured in a timely manner.

Hidden pneumonia is very dangerous because it is extremely difficult to diagnose. This form of the disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• excessive sweating, even after slight exertion;
• dyspnea;
• uncharacteristic pulmonary whistle when breathing;
• rapid pulse;
• constant feeling of thirst;
• pain when tilting or turning the body.

If the latent form of pneumonia turns into a chronic disease, then along with the above symptoms, additional signs may appear, in particular:

• rapid heartbeat;
• intoxication;
• change in blood component composition;
• deformation of the sternum;
• the development of inflammatory processes in the nasopharyngeal and oral cavity;
• development of polyhypovitaminosis.

How to cure ailment?

If you notice at least 2-3 symptoms that signal the development of pneumonia, immediately go to the hospital. It is not necessary to engage in self-treatment, since inflammation of the lung tissue is fraught with the development of complicated consequences. Treatment of pneumonia, regardless of the form of the disease, should always be complex. Initially, the pulmonologist determines the type of pathogen and prescribes the appropriate antibiotic drug.

In addition, the treatment of pneumonia includes the following aspects:

• taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, Nimesil, Nurofen;
• oral administration of antipyretic drugs;
• the use of drugs that dilute sputum, as well as facilitating its excretion (syrups, tablets, etc.);
• passing a course of detoxification therapy;
• physiotherapy procedures aimed at reducing the inflammatory process, as well as the restoration of pulmonary ventilation.

For the speedy cure of the disease, pulmonary physicians draw the attention of patients to their lifestyle, daily diet and the performance of special exercises. During the period of treatment it is necessary to engage in respiratory gymnastics, which contributes to the restoration of natural lung functions.

Along with pharmacological preparations, folk remedies can be used to treat the symptoms of pneumonia in adults. Such medicinal herbs are recognized as the best phytomedicines in the fight against pneumonia:

• Linden blossom;
• marshmallow;
• St. John's wort;
• mallow;
• lungwort;
• mullein;
• elder;
• coltsfoot;
• aloe;
• bilberry or lingonberry leaves;
• anise;
• fennel, etc.

From the above phytocomponents can make infusions and decoctions. Be sure to follow the proportions indicated in the recipes, and do not forget to consult with your doctor. Also in the treatment of pneumonia using traditional medicine, potato wraps, inhalation procedures, garlic mustards are used.

Do not try to cure pneumonia yourself. The lungs are our air tanks. With the development of inflammation in them, we not only experience painful and uncomfortable sensations, but also put our body at serious risk. Entrust the treatment of the disease to specialists in the field of pulmonology. Be healthy!