What are the symptoms of pneumonia?

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Pneumonia - what it is, causes, signs, symptoms in adults and treatment of pneumonia

Pneumonia in adults (pneumonia) is an inflammation of the lower respiratory tract of various etiologies, occurring with intra-alveolar exudation and accompanied by characteristic clinical and radiological signs.

Table of contents:

The main cause of the development of the disease is a pulmonary infection that affects all structures of the lungs. There are many types of pneumonia, varying in severity from mild to severe, or even those that can be fatal.

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a predominantly acute pathological condition caused by infectious and inflammatory damage to the pulmonary parenchyma. With this disease, the lower respiratory tract (bronchi, bronchioles, alveoli) is involved in the process.

This is a fairly common disease, diagnosed in approximately 12–14 adults out of 1000, and in older people whose age has exceeded 50–55 years, the ratio is 17:1000. In terms of the frequency of deaths, pneumonia ranks first among all infectious diseases.

  • ICD-10 code: J12, J13, J14, J15, J16, J17, J18, P23

The duration of the disease depends on the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment and the reactivity of the body. Before the advent of antibiotics, the high temperature dropped on days 7-9.

Causes

Most often, pneumonia is caused by bacteria (pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, less commonly - mycoplasma, chlamydia), but the likelihood of developing pneumonia increases during periods of outbreaks and epidemics of acute respiratory viral infections.

In old age, the most common causes of pneumonia are pneumococci, streptococci, mycoplasma, and their combinations. To eliminate errors when making a diagnosis, an X-ray examination of the lungs is done in several projections.

Among the causes of pneumonia in adults, bacterial infection ranks first. The most common pathogens are:

  • gram-positive microorganisms: pneumococci (from 40 to 60%), staphylococci (from 2 to 5%), streptococci (2.5%);
  • gram-negative microorganisms: Friedlander's bacillus (from 3 to 8%), Haemophilus influenzae (7%), enterobacteria (6%), Proteus, E. coli, Legionella, etc. (from 1.5 to 4.5%);
  • mycoplasma (6%);
  • viral infections (herpes viruses, influenza and parainfluenza, adenoviruses, etc.);
  • fungal infections.

Risk factors for developing pneumonia in adults:

  • Constant stress that depletes the body.
  • Poor nutrition. Insufficient consumption of fruits, vegetables, fresh fish, lean meat.
  • Weakened immunity. Leads to a decrease in the barrier functions of the body.
  • Frequent colds, leading to the formation of a chronic focus of infection.
  • Smoking. When smoking, the walls of the bronchi and alveoli become covered with various harmful substances, preventing surfactant and other lung structures from working normally.
  • Alcohol abuse.
  • Chronic diseases. Especially pyelonephritis, heart failure, coronary heart disease.

Classification

  1. Community-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of disease.
  2. Nosocomial or hospital-acquired pneumonia. This form includes a disease that developed while the patient was in the hospital for more than 72 hours.
  3. Atypical pneumonia. A type of disease caused by atypical microflora (chlamydia, mycoplasma, legionella, etc.).
  4. Aspiration pneumonia is an infectious-toxic damage to the pulmonary parenchyma that develops as a result of the contents of the oral cavity, nasopharynx, and stomach entering the lower respiratory tract.

Depending on the etiology, pneumonia can be:

Depending on the nature of the disease:

Type of pneumonia by location

  • left-handed;
  • right-sided;
  • unilateral: one lung is affected;
  • bilateral: both lungs are affected;

Severity of the inflammatory process:

First signs

What signs can be used to identify pneumonia at home? The initial signs of the disease are not easy to recognize. They may not exist at all, appear rarely or be mild. It all depends on the type of pathogen. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the changes occurring in the body.

The main signs of pneumonia in adults are cough (there are exceptions) and chest pain, which, depending on the etiology of the disease and its type, may be accompanied by certain symptoms.

The first signs of pneumonia that should alert a person:

  • weakness of the limbs (feeling like “wobbly legs”);
  • minor temperature violations;
  • dry cough;
  • dyspnea;
  • periodic hot flashes, which are replaced by a state of cold sweat.

A specific sign of pneumonia in an adult is a feeling of acute pain in the chest when performing breathing movements and coughing.

Body temperature can be very high up to 39-40C, or it can remain subfebrile 37.1-37.5C ​​(with an atypical form). Therefore, even with low body temperature, cough, weakness and other signs of malaise, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Symptoms of pneumonia in adults

How pneumonia manifests itself in adults depends on the type of pathogen, the severity of the disease, etc. The characteristic signs of pneumonia, the acute development of the process, its extensiveness and the likelihood of complications with improper therapy are the most important reasons for patients to immediately turn to specialists.

Almost every type of pneumonia has characteristic features of the course, determined by the properties of the microbial agent, the severity of the disease and the presence of complications.

The main symptoms of pneumonia in adults:

  • increased body temperature;
  • cough, dry at the beginning of the disease, with copious sputum as it develops;
  • dyspnea;
  • increased fatigue, weakness;
  • fear caused by lack of air;
  • chest pain.

In addition, the following secondary signs of pneumonia may be observed:

  • headache;
  • cyanotic (blue) lips and nails;
  • muscle pain;
  • fatigue, shortness of breath;
  • heat.

If bilateral pneumonia progresses, the symptoms are atypical and are detailed below:

  • blue lips, fingertips;
  • heavy, labored breathing;
  • continuous dry cough with sputum;
  • shortness of breath, weakness throughout the body;
  • lack of appetite.

Sometimes pneumonia has a mild course - without fever. The only things that attract attention are weakness, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, and periodic cough. In this case, the diagnosis is confirmed only by x-ray.

  • elevated temperature;
  • weakness;
  • cough (At first the cough is dry, then purulent secretions streaked with blood are coughed up);
  • pain in the chest, under the shoulder blades, head.
  • Increasing shortness of breath and cough;
  • pain in joints and muscle tissue;
  • absence of bronchial obstruction;
  • pulmonary hypertension;
  • sudden weight loss;
  • no fever and sputum with blood.
  • increase in body temperature up to 40 Celsius;
  • dyspnea;
  • cough;
  • confusion;
  • weakness;
  • “rusty” sputum;
  • chest pain.

Complications

If patients turn to specialists immediately after they become ill and then adhere to the prescribed treatment regimen, complications, as a rule, do not develop. The manifestation of complications can be associated directly with the disease, as well as with taking medications.

Possible complications of pneumonia:

  • Development of acute respiratory failure.
  • Pleurisy is inflammation of the lining of the lungs.
  • Lung abscess - the formation of a cavity filled with purulent contents.
  • Pulmonary edema.
  • Sepsis is the spread of infection throughout the body through blood vessels.

Diagnostics

Objective signs of pneumonia, determined by a doctor during the initial examination of the patient, are the appearance of a local shortening of the percussion sound, increased bronchophony, a change in the breathing pattern of a weakened type and the appearance of local fine-bubble rales and limited crepitus.

Already in the first hours of the disease, a patient with suspected pneumonia should be subject to comprehensive both laboratory and instrumental examination. When diagnosing pneumonia, several problems are solved at once:

  • differential diagnosis of inflammation with other pulmonary processes,
  • clarification of the etiology and severity (complications).

Self-diagnosis of pneumonia is not only impossible, but also extremely dangerous, because if you start treating the disease incorrectly, you can accelerate its development or provoke complications.

  • listening with a stethoscope;
  • measuring body temperature;
  • chest x-ray;
  • bronchoscopy, sputum analysis;
  • General and biochemical blood test.

Chest radiography is indispensable for making an accurate diagnosis of pneumonia. It is carried out in a direct, and if necessary, in a lateral projection and allows not only to establish a diagnosis of acute pneumonia and identify possible complications, but also to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment.

In some cases, additional research methods are necessary: ​​computed tomography of the chest, bronchoscopy, examination of pleural fluid (to exclude lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis).

Treatment of pneumonia

Treatment of uncomplicated forms of pneumonia can be carried out by general practitioners: internists, pediatricians, family doctors and general practitioners.

For non-severe pneumonia in adults, hospital treatment is provided. It consists of a set of the following measures:

  1. taking medications that dilate the bronchi to expel mucus;
  2. taking antibiotics, antiviral drugs to combat the causative agent of pneumonia;
  3. undergoing a course of physiotherapy;
  4. performing physical therapy;
  5. diet, drinking plenty of fluids.

Moderate and severe course requires hospitalization in a therapeutic or pulmonology department. Uncomplicated mild pneumonia can be treated on an outpatient basis under the supervision of a local physician or pulmonologist visiting the patient at home.

It is preferable to carry out treatment in a hospital in the following situations:

  • patient over 60 years old;
  • the presence of chronic lung diseases, diabetes, malignant tumors, severe heart or kidney failure, low body weight, alcoholism or drug addiction;
  • failure of initial antibiotic therapy;
  • pregnancy;
  • the desire of the patient or his relatives.

Antibiotics

For pneumonia in adults, it is advisable to use antibiotics after the disease has been confirmed by at least one diagnostic method.

  • In mild cases, preference is given to protected penicillins, macrolides, and cephalosporins.
  • Severe forms require a combination of several antibiotics: macrolides, fluoroquinolones, cephalosporins.
  • Efficiency is assessed after 2-3 days. If the condition has not improved, this is a direct indication to change the group of drugs.

Other drugs

In addition to antibacterial therapy, antipyretic therapy is also prescribed. Antipyretics are prescribed when the temperature rises from 38.5 degrees:

Mucolytics are used to thin sputum:

Physiotherapeutic treatment of pneumonia in adults

There are a number of procedures that are used in the treatment of pathology, the most effective are:

  • ultrasonic aerosol inhalation using mucolytics and antibiotics;
  • electrophoresis with the use of antibiotics and expectorants;
  • decimeter wave treatment of the lungs;
  • UHF therapy;
  • magnetophoresis;
  • UV radiation;
  • chest massage.

Therapeutic measures are carried out until the patient recovers, which is confirmed by objective methods - auscultation, normalization of laboratory and X-ray tests.

The prognosis for pneumonia in an adult directly depends on the degree of virulence and pathogenicity of the pathogen, the presence of a background disease, as well as the normal functioning of the human immune system. In most situations, pneumonia proceeds favorably and ends with complete clinical and laboratory recovery of the patient.

Compliance with the regime

  1. Throughout the entire period of illness, the patient must remain in bed.
  2. You need a nutritious diet rich in vitamins. If there are no signs of heart failure, drinking plenty of fluids up to 3 liters per day is beneficial.
  3. The room should have fresh air, light, and a temperature of +18C. When cleaning a room, you should avoid products containing chlorine, and do not use heaters with an open spiral, as they greatly dry the air.

During the period of resorption of the inflammatory focus, physiotherapy is prescribed:

  • inductothermy;
  • microwave therapy;
  • electrophoresis of lidase, heparin, calcium chloride;
  • thermal procedures (paraffin compresses).

After recovery, the patient is recommended to undergo sanatorium-resort treatment in local forest sanatoriums or places with a warm and humid climate, by the sea. It will be useful to undergo a course of reflexology, massage, and air ionization sessions.

Diet and nutrition

Diet for pneumonia during exacerbation:

  • lean meat, chicken, meat and chicken broths;
  • lean fish;
  • milk and fermented milk products;
  • vegetables (cabbage, carrots, potatoes, herbs, onions, garlic);
  • fresh fruits (apples, pears, citrus fruits, grapes, watermelon), dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots);
  • fruit, berry and vegetable juices, fruit drinks;
  • cereals and pasta;
  • tea, rosehip decoction;
  • honey, jam.

Exclude foods such as: alcohol, smoked foods, fried, spicy and fatty foods, sausages, marinades, canned food, store-bought sweets, foods with carcinogens.

Recovery and rehabilitation

After pneumonia, a very important point is rehabilitation, which is aimed at bringing all functions and systems of the body to a normal state. Rehabilitation after pneumonia also has a beneficial effect on overall health in the future, which minimizes the risk of development and recurrence of not only pneumonia, but also other diseases.

Recovery involves taking medications, physical therapy, diet, and hardening procedures. This stage can last up to 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the disease

Prevention

The best prevention is maintaining a rational lifestyle:

  1. Proper nutrition (fruits, vegetables, juices), walks in the fresh air, avoiding stress.
  2. In winter and spring, to avoid a decrease in immunity, you can take a multivitamin complex, for example, Vitrum.
  3. To give up smoking.
  4. Treatment of chronic diseases, moderate alcohol consumption.

Pneumonia is a dangerous and unpleasant disease of the respiratory tract, which is accompanied by the manifestation of specific symptoms. It is worth paying attention to these symptoms in order to maintain good health and maintain a healthy body.

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Pneumonia

General information

The lungs and, in general, the entire respiratory system catch infections quite easily. The upper respiratory organs have the function of protecting against viruses, therefore, when the immune system is weakened and the activity of microbes increases, the infectious process spreads downwards. Often it stops at the bronchial mucosa and causes bronchitis, and sometimes it goes further, inflaming the lung tissue and causing pneumonia. This diagnosis covers many ailments. Each of them has its own pathogenesis, etiology, X-ray indicators, test results unique to this disease, its own symptoms and treatment of pneumonia.

Infectious diseases that occur in the lungs are usually referred to as pneumonitis. If the respiratory parts of the lungs were affected to a greater extent, this disease is referred to as “alveolitis.”

In parallel with aseptic inflammation, one can often observe the development of pneumonia caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

Having noticed the first signs of pneumonia, it is necessary to take an x-ray of the lungs and sputum analysis as quickly as possible, but the main method of treatment is to prescribe antibacterial procedures. If you do not pay attention to the symptoms of pneumonia and start therapy too late, this can lead to an extremely dangerous development of the disease. There are also cases of death.

Causes of the disease

There are many reasons for the development of pneumonia:

  • low standard of living;
  • difficult working conditions (high dust content in the air, working with toxic substances);
  • possible contacts with animals carrying pathogens;
  • trips;
  • smoking and other bad habits (especially for those who smoke regularly);
  • individual characteristics of individual people, predisposition to various kinds of diseases, transmitted at the genetic level;
  • pneumonia due to pneumonia can cause direct communication and other forms of contact with sick (infected with infectious diseases) people;
  • geography of the spread of the disease in a given period.

Classification

  • focal (bronchopneumonia) – damage is observed only in certain areas of the lung tissue (the bronchi and tissues of the human respiratory system become inflamed);
  • segmental - the pathogen affects one or more parts of the lung tissue;
  • lobar - the pulmonary lobe is affected (a striking example is lobar pneumonia, in which there is predominantly damage to the alveoli and parts of the pleura located next to it);
  • drain - a combination of several small centers of influence of the pathogen;
  • total - affects the entire lungs, is the most severe form of the disease.

In addition, the disease is also divided into types depending on the place of acquisition:

  • community-acquired;
  • in-hospital;
  • treatment-related (hemodialysis, medications, regular hospitalizations, residents of nursing homes).

Symptoms

The first symptoms of pneumonia are similar to a cold. Based on the etiology of the disease, they may differ from each other. For example, a bacterial species can manifest either abruptly or gradually. Pneumonia has the property of both gradual and sudden manifestations.

What symptoms of pneumonia are typical for each patient? A constant symptom is shortness of breath, the severity of which depends on the severity and stage of inflammation. With concomitant pathologies of the bronchopulmonary and cardiovascular systems, an even greater complication of respiratory failure is observed, which is especially common in the elderly. The first symptoms of pulmonary pneumonia in this case are bluishness of the skin on the abdomen, in the area of ​​the nasolabial triangle, and on the upper extremities.

The main symptoms of pneumonia also include cough. As a rule, at first it is constant dry, and after some time it is wet, accompanied by the release of yellow-green mucopurulent sputum.

Other characteristic signs of pneumonia:

  • trembling of limbs;
  • fever;
  • severe and acute pain in the chest;
  • increased discharge from the sweat glands;
  • cough with sputum of a special color (red, greenish) of a thick consistency;
  • accelerated heart rate and breathing.

Viral pneumonia is manifested by the following symptoms:

  • increased body temperature;
  • dry cough;
  • excessive fatigue;
  • muscle pain;
  • headache;
  • general weakness and drowsiness;
  • shortness of breath even from minor and short-term physical activity of low intensity.

The onset of inflammation in the lower respiratory tract during a cold is indicated by a sharp deterioration of the condition 4-7 days after the onset of ARVI (flu). Body temperature can rise up to degrees Celsius or remain at 37.1-37.5C. Knowing what symptoms are characteristic of the disease and having identified them in oneself, a person should immediately consult a doctor. Signs of existing inflammation are also the ineffectiveness of antipyretic drugs and a repeated jump in temperature during the treatment of the infection.

The first symptoms of pulmonary pneumonia caused by mycoplasma repeat the symptoms of bacterial and viral forms, but in a weaker manifestation.

Diagnostics

In order to confirm the presence of the disease, the patient is sent for an X-ray of the lungs. The pathogen itself (the source of the disease) is found by examining sputum from the respiratory tract and blood.

Diagnostic methods are divided into primary and secondary:

  • X-rays of light;
  • microscopic analysis of discharge with Gram stain;
  • sowing respiratory secretions (sputum) into a nutrient medium and analyzing their subsequent development in it;
  • biochemical and general examination of blood samples;
  • blood gas analysis;
  • CT scan of the chest;
  • analysis of a piece of pleura;
  • bronchoscopy;
  • finding characteristic antibodies;
  • lung tissue biopsy;
  • urine test and others.

Treatment

Antibiotics are widely used in the treatment of pneumonia. Their choice depends on the causative agent of the infection. Medicines that dilate the bronchi and make sputum less thick (inhalations or tablets) are also used. In addition, treatment of pneumonia is carried out by administering corticosteroids and saline solutions through a vein. From time to time, pleural puncture and bronchoscopy are performed.

In particularly advanced cases, pneumonia is treated in a hospital. In the presence of severe respiratory failure, the patient is prescribed oxygen treatments.

There are also frequent cases of using physiotherapy, which includes:

  • irradiation with ultraviolet rays;
  • massages using vibration;
  • therapeutic physical exercises and so on.

If it is not possible to determine the type of pathogen, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used. During the normal course of treatment, on the third day from its start, the temperature stabilizes to a physiological level. An x-ray is taken and an objective analysis of the patient’s condition is carried out.

Prevention

Based on data from the RRO (Russian Respiratory Society), vaccination of the population is the only and most effective method of preventing the development of the disease. At the moment, the Russian Federation uses a tested and proven pneumococcal vaccine produced in the United States.

Prevention of pneumonia also consists of creating normal working conditions at work, the absence of bad habits (especially smoking), proper nutrition, and the absence of stress. It is necessary to limit contact with sick patients and avoid visiting places where there are large crowds of people (during epidemic periods). People caring for patients must carefully follow all recommended precautions - wash their hands immediately after contact, work exclusively with gloves, wear gauze masks. Prevention of pneumonia also requires isolating infectious patients in separate rooms.

Forecast

The prognosis during pneumonia depends on a number of factors:

  • virulence of the infectious pathogen;
  • age of the patient;
  • diseases occurring simultaneously;
  • immunity status;
  • the correctness of the prescribed treatment.

Severe forms of the disease, a state of immunodeficiency, and a weak response of pneumonia pathogens to antibacterial treatment have a negative effect on the body. The disease is especially dangerous for infants under one year of age, caused by staphylococcus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc. The percentage of deaths in such cases ranges from 10 to 30%.

If you know what symptoms pneumonia is characterized by and begin proper treatment in a timely manner, the disease almost always ends in complete recovery of the patient. The outcome is assessed by changes in lung tissue, which are checked after treatment.

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Pneumoconiosis is a group of irreversible fibrotic lung diseases that occur due to systematic long-term inhalation of industrial dust. As a response to getting hit.

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Signs of pneumonia

You can identify signs of pneumonia in a timely manner if you consult a doctor without waiting for serious symptoms. Pneumonia is life-threatening, especially for children. After all, easily coping with the child’s growing immune system, the disease progresses within a few hours.

The causative agent of the disease is most often streptococcal (Streptococcus pneumoniae). Normally, this bacterium is present in the lungs. But with inflammation, it multiplies quickly against the background of colds and reduced immunity. This also happens with prolonged severe hypothermia.

The manifestation of pneumonia depends on its pathogens. In professional circles, it is customary to classify types of pathological conditions into various forms. In modern times, the concept of “atypical pneumonia” has also appeared.

What causes lead to the development of pneumonia:

  • decreased body resistance to bacteria;
  • reproduction of pathogens - streptococcus, enterobacteria, staphylococcus.

Atypical pneumonia - causes and symptoms

The type of pneumonia can be determined by the type of pathogen. If typical pneumonia occurs from the proliferation of coccal pathogens, then atypical pneumonia occurs when colonies of mycoplasma, chlamydia, legionella, and hemophilus influenzae grow in the respiratory tract.

Damage to the lungs by chlamydia is associated with the sensitivity of microorganisms to protein molecules of the receptors of the bronchial system and alveoli. Chlamydia multiplies inside the cell, complicating antibiotic therapy. When the antibacterial medicine enters the blood, chlamydia hides in the cell, so the severe symptoms disappear. Refusal of an antibiotic sharply activates bacteria, and the disease becomes chronic.

Mycoplasma causes disease in young people, in combination with genitourinary tract infections. It is difficult to recognize this type - there are no acute symptoms.

Legionella is a rare guest in the respiratory tract, but its reproduction in the lungs is most dangerous and most often leads to a tragic end.

Haemophilus influenzae - provokes pneumonia in smokers. It is activated by pathological changes in the respiratory system, which, in turn, are observed in smokers, in most cases.

All of these pathogens lead to only half of the cases of pneumonia on the globe. In the 21st century, medicine is faced with other, new pathogens for which there are no drugs yet. If natural immunity fails, the person dies from damage to the alveoli and lack of oxygen - that is, simply suffocates. An example is bird and swine flu, outbreaks of which in the recent past shocked world medicine and claimed many lives.

Other disease factors:

Signs of pneumonia

The first signal of problems in the respiratory system is the destruction of cells in the respiratory tree. The body tries to free itself from dead cells and eliminate their particles from the lumens in the alveoli and bronchi. From the outside it looks like a dry cough and sore throat.

A little later, the immune system joins the battle, the lungs become inflamed, and the cough turns into a wet one, phlegm accumulates in the bronchi, the cough intensifies, because the body strives to get rid of phlegm.

The disease goes through three stages, in medical terms:

Depending on the volume of lung damage, it can be:

Classic course of pneumonia

Traditionally, pneumonia progresses through congestion, hepatization, and resolution. The disease ends within a month. In a child, the disease may last longer and be characterized by more severe symptoms.

Symptoms of red flush or flush

A hot flash can be recognized by redness of the facial skin, high or moderately elevated temperature, shortness of breath, swelling of the alveoli, pain in the chest due to increased air filling of the lungs.

Gradually, inflammation in the alveoli increases, fluid collects there, interfering with the normal metabolic processes of oxygen and its entry into the blood. Hot flush symptoms last 48–60 hours. Red swelling can be recognized as vascular damage and the accumulation of red blood cells in the infiltrate. Such observation is possible after taking the appropriate tests.

Symptoms of hepatization - gray hepatization

At this stage, leukocytes “interfere” in the inflammation process, destroying the cells of the causative agents of the disease. The first symptom of the body's struggle is the filling of the alveoli with exudate - sputum, which is separated with a cough, freeing the alveoli. The exudate will drain for quite a long time until all the dead bacteria are released. This period is called hepatization because the lung tissue resembles liver cells, and in gray hepatization the accumulation of blood cells, fibrin and other cells forms a gray dense content when viewed under a microscope.

Resolution stage - symptoms

New symptoms will help you know that the disease has entered the resolution stage, that is, the final phase:

Pathological processes gradually disappear, the amount of inflammatory fluid decreases, freeing the alveoli. Shortness of breath and cough gradually disappear. But swelling in the airway area may still remain for some time, and tissues that have lost elasticity cause chest pain.

Fibrin clots dissolve, breathing is restored, a long process of eliminating edema begins - here is a short list of the main symptoms of the third, reparative stage of the disease in the classical version.

Croupous pneumonia

Pneumonia that affects both lungs is called lobar or bilateral. Let's look further at how to recognize it and what its symptoms are. Usually, in both a child and an adult, the causative agent of this type of pneumonia is called the Friendler's bacillus in a combination of other microorganisms, fungi and viruses.

Symptoms to recognize pneumonia:

  • shortness of breath, intoxication;
  • excessive sweating;
  • increase in body temperature;
  • bluish facial coverings;
  • swelling of the nasolabial triangle area;
  • sputum separation.

In a child, sweating and blue discoloration are most noticeable. Moreover, cyanosis in a child can be observed at the level of the abdomen and upper limbs. The first sign of pneumonia is cough and weakness.

Some patients experience pathology of other organs - for example, gastrointestinal disorder, which can be identified by stool instability, gas formation in the stomach, pain and loss of appetite. In a child, lobar pneumonia may be accompanied by loss of consciousness, delirium, and hallucinations, especially when the temperature rises.

Adults often note severe weakness and inability to move, even sit down in bed or walk to the toilet.

In case of intoxication, there is severe insufficiency of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The mental state resembles a disorder, with depressed activity of the central nervous system. If you do not hospitalize with these disorders in time, especially a small child, there is a risk of a tragic outcome for the patient. Modern therapy makes it possible to stop the disease in the first 3–4 days of its course in a hospital setting. This requires timely seeking emergency medical care.

How to recognize pneumonia in a child

The causes of pneumonia in a child are similar to those that cause this disease in adults. But the course of the disease in children may have a number of features that are taken into account when choosing treatment methods.

Features of pneumonia in a child:

  • temperature not higher than 38;
  • the febrile state cannot be controlled by any medications;
  • shortness of breath and rapid breathing, cough may be absent;
  • in an infant, shortness of breath is combined with retraction of the spaces between the ribs.

Later, the child develops other adult symptoms.

Atypical pneumonia

The causes of atypical pneumonia have already been listed above, so let’s look at its first signs:

  • fever and fever;
  • dyspnea;
  • increase in heart rate to 100 at rest;
  • pain in the sternum;
  • Possible diarrhea, headaches and skin rashes due to deterioration of the body's protective functions. Atypical pneumonia occurs with a dry, non-productive cough.

Further development depends on the causative agent of the disease and leads to complications such as edema, abscess, psychosis, and pneumothorax.

The widespread use of antibiotics, which has become more frequent recently, leads to the fact that some inflammatory processes in the lungs can occur without symptoms.

Bacterial infections and pneumonia

The bacterial causative agent of pneumonia is characterized by a sharp sudden increase in body temperature, even up to 41 degrees. This temperature can last up to 3 days and is an indication for taking antibacterial drugs. If within 72 hours the temperature changes abruptly, then we can conclude that there is a viral infection that cannot be treated with antibiotics. Bacterial pneumonia is characterized by brown sputum, a constant obsessive cough, attacks of which are worse at night. The fatigue of patients is reduced, so they can move around without experiencing much discomfort. When inhaling, pain is felt in the sternum.

If immediate treatment is not applied, pneumonia can destroy lung tissue, forming cavities and abscesses, a sign of which will be incipient intoxication.

Viral pneumonia

The virus penetrates the cells of the alveoli, forming swelling of the lung tissue. In this case, the blood supply is disrupted, and drugs cannot be delivered to the lesions through the bloodstream. Symptoms of a viral infection are also accompanied by high fever, chest pain, and cough. Antiviral and symptomatic drugs are used for treatment.

SARS syndrome

A new disease within the concept of pneumonia, which appeared in the international classification about 10 years ago. It can be caused by viruses of the Paramyxoviridae and Coronavirus families. These pathogens multiply in the cells of the upper respiratory tract, causing tissue changes and swelling that is not eliminated by antibiotics. Often such viruses claim human lives in 4-5 days. The first three days are decisive, and if there is regression, then the body can cope with the disease itself, but if it worsens, the prognosis is very disappointing.

  • cyanosis of the facial skin;
  • decreased blood pressure and swelling;
  • swelling of the lymph nodes;
  • increase in the number of lymphocytes in the blood.

Lung pathologies can lead to heart failure, kidney inflammation, and brain disorders. It is important to pay attention to the disease at its first symptoms in order to avoid complications and unfavorable outcomes.

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It seems to me that the only safe way to protect against viruses is the Barrier Reef. You don’t need to drink it, you wear it around your neck and no infection catches on.

Source: http://wmedik.ru/zabolevaniya/priznaki-vospaleniya-legkix.html

Pneumonia - symptoms in adults, treatment and consequences

Pneumonia is an acute infectious and inflammatory disease with focal damage to the respiratory parts of the lungs, intra-alveolar exudation, severe febrile reaction and intoxication of the body.

In terms of the frequency of deaths, pneumonia ranks first among all infectious diseases. Until the discovery of penicillin, every third person who became ill died from the infection. Currently, about three million people suffer from pneumonia every year in the United States alone.

The disease can occur from various pathogens - bacteria, viruses, fungi. Therefore, there are a large number of types of pneumonia, each of which has its own symptoms and characteristics.

Symptoms of pneumonia include cough, runny nose, and weakness. The temperature rises, pain appears in the chest, and when coughing, sputum with pus and mucus is released.

Causes

How does pneumonia develop and what is it? The disease occurs when a microbe that can cause inflammation enters a weakened human body. The most common pathogen is pneumococcus (40 to 60%), staphylococcus (2 to 5%), streptococcus (2.5%). Atypical pathogens are mycoplasma, legionella, chlamydia, hemophilus influenzae, viruses. Parainfluenza viruses, influenza viruses, reoviruses and adenoviruses contribute to the development of the disease.

The etiology of the disease largely depends on the conditions of its occurrence (home, hospital, etc.), as well as on the person’s age, so these factors must be taken into account when prescribing antibiotics for the treatment of pneumonia.

It has been proven that exposure to provoking factors increases the likelihood of developing pneumonia several times. The risk group includes adults with congestive heart failure, chronic bronchitis, the elderly, weakened and exhausted patients with prolonged bed rest. Adults who smoke and abuse alcohol are especially susceptible to developing pneumonia.

Symptoms of pneumonia

In the case of pneumonia, symptoms in adults largely depend on the cause of the disease and the extent of damage to the lung tissue. However, all types of pneumonia are characterized by common symptoms that are found to varying degrees in all patients.

Typical first signs of pneumonia include general intoxication syndrome (chills, fever, malaise) and bronchopulmonary-pleural syndrome (cough, dyspnea, sputum, auscultatory and percussion signs).

Common signs of pneumonia that should alert you:

  • persistent cough;
  • colds lasting more than 7 days, especially when improvement is followed by a sharp deterioration in the patient’s condition;
  • severe cough when taking deep breaths;
  • decreased appetite;
  • fever and runny nose, accompanied by pale skin;
  • general weakness, shortness of breath;
  • lack of positive dynamics and decrease in temperature when taking paracetamol (Eferalgan, Panadol, Tylenol).

Symptoms of pneumonia in adults appear sharply: the temperature rises to 40°C, the chest begins to hurt when inhaling and exhaling, a cough appears - first dry, then with sputum production.

The disease is dangerous because it is very difficult to diagnose and the time spent on making a diagnosis may be lost, which can lead to serious consequences. Pneumonia, the symptoms of which are often similar to those of a cold or flu, in addition, some patients (about one in five) may not have local signs of pneumonia.

Therefore, when the first suspicious symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor, he will conduct a diagnosis, and then confirm or refute your suspicions. If it is pneumonia, a pulmonologist will tell you how to treat it correctly.

Lobar pneumonia - symptoms

Croupous pneumonia is a process that involves the entire lobe of the lung or most of it. Lobar pneumonia usually begins acutely and suddenly. There is a high temperature, chills, weakness, headache, and pain in the side, which intensifies with breathing and coughing. Severe shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest area, cough, and copious sputum are also characteristic. No runny nose.

A feverish blush is noticeable on the patient's face. Rapid breathing up to 30 or more per 1 minute. When breathing, swelling of the wings of the nose is noted. The patient takes a forced position on the sore side, since this restricts the respiratory movements of the sore half of the chest, reduces pain, and makes breathing easier for the healthy lung.

Hospitalization and patient compliance with bed rest during the entire period of fever and intoxication are required. Patients should periodically change position in bed, which helps cough up mucus.

Focal pneumonia - symptoms

The onset is usually not acute; within a few days, manifestations of a viral infection predominate: a gradual increase in temperature to febrile levels, runny nose, dry cough or with mucous sputum, weakness.

Objective data for focal pneumonia are characterized by increased respiration rate up to 25–30 per minute, tachycardia doud. per minute, muffled heart sounds, harsh breathing, sonorous moist rales. In the presence of concomitant bronchitis, scattered dry rales are heard; in case of addition of dry pleurisy - pleural friction noise.

Atypical pneumonia - symptoms

Symptoms of the disease depend on what pathogens it was caused by - mycoplasma, legionella or chlamydia. Mycoplasma pneumonia in children and adults manifests itself in the form of a sore throat, runny nose, enlarged cervical lymph nodes and headache. Chest tightness and phlegm are not typical for this form of the disease.

Legionella atypical pneumonia is accompanied by a dry cough, chest pain, high fever, diarrhea, slow heart rate and kidney damage.

Pneumonia in adults without fever

In adults, pneumonia can occur without fever - this is a situation when the following symptoms appear: weakness, shortness of breath, increased sweating, cough, but there is no temperature reaction. It usually occurs when the immune system is underactive.

If, after suffering from the flu, bronchitis, or a cold, your cough continues to bother you for a long time, then consult a doctor immediately to avoid complications.

Complications

Pneumonia can lead to the development of a number of consequences in the lungs:

  • acute respiratory failure;
  • pleurisy;
  • broncho-obstructive syndrome;
  • acute vascular insufficiency (collapse);
  • acute respiratory distress syndrome (non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema);
  • infectious-toxic shock.

The development of cardiovascular failure can also lead to death.

Graft

Vaccination against pneumonia is given to children starting from the age of two. Prevention of inflammatory lung disease in children is a critical component of the strategy to reduce child mortality in modern society. One of the most effective methods of preventing pneumonia is vaccination.

The most popular vaccines against pneumonia include the French Pneumo-23 and the American Prevenar. The drugs are administered intramuscularly and subcutaneously. Adverse reactions are possible in the form of swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site. But in most cases, local manifestations quickly disappear.

Treatment of pneumonia

For pneumonia, treatment in adults usually depends on the severity of the disease, the age of the patient, and the presence of complications. The need for hospitalization is determined by the doctor.

During the period of acute phenomena, it is necessary to adhere to bed rest, drink warm drinks, and eat a high-calorie diet rich in vitamins. It is also useful to consume fruit, vegetable, berry juices and vitamin teas, as well as fruit drinks made from cranberries, currants, and gooseberries. If necessary, oxygen inhalations may be prescribed, as well as expectorants in the presence of viscous, difficult-to-clear sputum.

The main treatment for pneumonia is taking antibiotics. Antibacterial therapy should be prescribed as early as possible, without waiting for the pathogen to be identified. The selection of an antibiotic is carried out by a doctor; there can be no talk of any independent treatment at home.

Until recently, ampicillin was most often used in combination with clavulanic acid - Augmentin. However, current data indicate high resistance to these antibiotics. New generation macrolides are taking first place. If the drug was chosen correctly, then after a day the general condition improves and the temperature normalizes. In this case, pneumonia is treated for 5-6 days.

Treatment of pneumonia with folk remedies in adults is only possible as an additional treatment, but not the main one. It is recommended to consume large amounts of onions and garlic, honey, propolis, rose hips, elderberries, and raspberries. In the absence of timely and appropriate treatment, pneumonia causes severe intoxication of the body, as well as various complications - pleurisy, lung abscess, acute respiratory failure and other unpleasant consequences.

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One comment

I spent 33 days in the hospital! 30 days on a drip - the antibiotic was changed four times! After 18 days we had an X-ray! Then they dug for another 12 days! After 33 days they were discharged without a follow-up X-ray! The doctor told me to take a control photo in a month and a half! The chest continues to hurt from time to time - especially when coughing, sneezing and taking a deep breath! During the hospitalization I became very weak! I would like to know from those in the know how to recover faster! Sincerely

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Pneumonia in adults: Symptoms and treatments

Pneumonia in adults and children (pneumonia) ranks first among human inflammatory diseases. It is an infectious pathology.

Pneumonia includes a group of bacterial and viral diseases of different symptoms, but similar in localization, inflammatory processes developing in the tissue structure of the lungs. Among similar pathologies, it occupies a leading place in mortality.

Forms and characteristics of pneumonia in adults

The characteristics of inflammatory reactions in the pulmonary system are determined by the various forms of their manifestations and the severity of clinical signs.

Acute inflammation is a possible independent manifestation caused by infection, or due to complications of underlying pathologies. The inflammatory reaction originates in the bronchial system, gradually spreading into the structure of the lung tissue, affecting the blood vessels.

The incidence is characterized by seasonality - during the period of progression of colds.

The form of chronic pneumonia is caused by a gradually developing inflammatory process. The constant, gradual development of inflammatory reactions goes beyond the focal boundaries of the lesion, spreading to a large tissue area of ​​the bronchi and lung tissue.

The cause of the development of a chronic course of the disease may be incompletely resolved foci of inflammation remaining after acute inflammatory processes in the organ.

The chronic process usually begins in childhood. This form of the disease occurs rarely.

The lobar form of pneumonia in adults is characterized by acute inflammation that affects the entire lung or a large part of it. Destructive processes in its tissues occur cyclically, in stages expressed:

  • Increased blood flow to the capillaries followed by a slowdown for 12 hours or two days.
  • Red hepatization (compaction of the lung parenchyma) caused by the coagulation of red blood cells (diapedesis) and the filling of the lumen of the alveoli with them and fibrins, depriving them of airiness. The duration of the process is up to three days.
  • Gray hepatization, manifested by granularity and gray-green color of the lung, due to the accumulation of exudate in the alveoli, consisting of their epithelium and leukocyte cells. The duration of the process is up to a week.
  • The last stage is characterized by the resorption of fibrin and leukocytes in the lumens of the alveoli and their partial removal with sputum during expectoration. Over time, airiness returns to the alveoli, but the swelling of the alveolar septa and the density of the lung tissue persist for a long time.

Focal pneumonia combines several forms of the disease. The connecting link of all forms is the localization of inflammation in a separate pulmonary area and its non-spread to other segments of the organ. Sometimes there is a fusion of foci of inflammation (confluent pneumonia).

Causes and mechanism of origin

The cause of the development of inflammatory reactions in the pulmonary structure is most often a variety of bacterial and viral pathogens.

  1. Representatives of bacterial infections are pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci, Richard Preifer bacillus (hemophilia).
  2. Viruses of the paramyxovirus, picornavirus, adenovirus and influenza families.
  3. Extra-taxonomic (yeast) fungal parasites, moldy Aspergelius fungi, ascomycete fungi (Pneumocystis).
  4. Chlamydia viruses, mycoplasma and legionella bacteria, intracellular parasites toxoplasma.

Among the adult population, there is a certain category that constitutes a risk group for developing the disease. This fact is due to:

  • the presence of chronic pulmonary pathologies;
  • disorders in the cardiovascular system;
  • chronic immunodeficiencies caused by frequent bacterial and viral infections;
  • neuroses and depression;
  • endocrine pathologies;
  • malignant neoplasms;
  • a consequence of aspiration symptoms, surgical interventions (lungs, chest, peritoneum);
  • long stay in one position (bedridden patients);
  • drug addiction, alcoholism and nicotine addiction;
  • age factor (after 60 years).

Inflammatory reactions in the parenchyma of an organ can occur either independently or as a consequence of complications of other diseases. Penetration of infectious agents into the lungs occurs in various ways:

1) Microaspiration is the main route of infection. Even the healthiest people have many microorganisms in the oropharynx that do not cause harm to humans. Sometimes these include pathogens.

For many people, during sleep, a small dose of oropharyngeal secretion enters the respiratory tract, bringing with it an infection. If the body's protective functions work at the proper level, they easily remove provocative secretions.

Otherwise, the sterility of the lung tissue is disrupted and an inflammatory process develops - pneumonia in adults or children.

2) When inhaling a high concentration of microorganisms in the air. This route of infection is typical for the development of hospital-acquired pneumonia, during a long stay in the hospital department where patients with pneumonia are treated.

3) Hematogenously - the spread of infection from another source of infection through the bloodstream. A common cause of infection in drug addicts and in patients suffering from infectious inflammatory processes in the inner lining of the heart (endocarditis).

4) Penetration of infection from nearby organs, with purulent-inflammatory processes in the liver or similar pathology of the pericardium, or as a consequence of a penetrating wound.

As a result of the penetration of the pathogen into the pulmonary system, the membrane of the alveoli is damaged and their functions are disrupted, leading to insufficient gas exchange between air and blood, disruption of the formation of a surfactant (surfactant), and a decrease in immune functions.

At the same time, in the inflamed area there is a violation of blood circulation and disruptions in the functions of bronchial tissues, which ensure the release and removal of mucus from the lungs. It is these changes that contribute to the manifestation of various symptoms of pneumonia in an adult.

Symptoms of pneumonia in adults

The manifestation of symptoms of pneumonia in adults depends on many reasons - the conditions for the development of the disease, the type of pathogen, the course and prevalence of the inflammatory process. They are characterized by typical (pulmonary) and atypical (extrapulmonary signs. General symptoms appear:

  1. Cough with copious, wet sputum. In older patients it may be dry.
  2. Moderate shortness of breath during exercise.
  3. Discomfort and pain at the site of localization of the inflammatory reaction.
  4. Signs of diaphragmatic irritation, abdominal pain and rapid breathing (if the inflammation process is in the lower part of the lung tissue).
  5. Increased pain symptoms with coughing, shortness of breath and full breathing or movement (a consequence of fluid effusion into the pleural cavity).
  6. Violation of hemodynamic functions;
  7. Signs of cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle.

Like most infectious pathologies, the disease can be accompanied by intoxication syndrome, manifested by extrapulmonary symptoms:

  • hyperthermia;
  • deterioration of general condition;
  • rapid fatigue and weakness;
  • headache;
  • joint and muscle discomfort.

The first signs of pneumonia in adults

The initial signs of the disease are not easy to recognize. They may not exist at all, appear rarely or be mild. It all depends on the type of pathogen. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the changes occurring in the body.

The first signs may appear:

  • weakness and fatigue;
  • slight increase in temperature;
  • manifestation of dyspnea (lack of air);
  • prolonged cough (for several days).

If the disease is not noticed in time, it threatens to develop into a severe form with extensive symptoms.

Pneumonia without fever or symptoms

Pneumonia may occur in adults without signs of fever. Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, general malaise, frequent headaches, lack of appetite and shortness of breath.

Cough manifests itself in different ways. At the beginning of the disease it can be dry and intrusive, later with sputum production, which is a favorable sign.

Sometimes the cough is minor but painful with signs of increasing shortness of breath. Such signs indicate the accumulation of sputum in the bronchial system and the impossibility of removing it, which threatens the development of obstruction in the respiratory tract.

An unfavorable factor is also an increase in shortness of breath - evidence of stagnation of blood in the lungs or the development of intoxication syndrome. This condition is dangerous due to stagnation of fluid that has leaked from the circulatory system of the organ into its tissue, causing swelling of the respiratory organ.

Very often, pneumonia occurs in adults without symptoms or with minimal symptoms, which in itself is dangerous. This pathology is called hypostatic, caused by stagnant blood processes in the lungs (in immobile patients).

Due to the penetration of blood through the vascular walls, swelling of the bronchioles and alveoli is formed, their tissue is loosened, which allows pathogens to easily penetrate the organ.

Symptoms may be masked as signs of an underlying disease that has caused the patient to become immobile for long periods of time.

In addition, the manifestation of cough can be minor, but painful. What you should pay special attention to, since with such a development of the disease, the development of complications in the form of a lung abscess or purulent pleurisy is not excluded.

Complication of pneumonia in an adult

The development of complications of pneumonia in adults can occur not only after the disease itself, but also at the time of its acute form. Manifesting both pulmonary and extrapulmonary pathologies:

  1. Destruction of lung tissue due to the formation of cavities of various sizes that tend to suppurate.
  2. Impaired bronchial obstruction caused by edema (obstruction).
  3. Exudative inflammation of the pleura and serous tissue surrounding the lung, which can provoke the development of oncological pathology.
  4. Damage to all tissues and organs due to cardiac dysfunction.
  5. Signs of myocarditis, pericarditis and endocarditis.
  6. Inflammation of the membranes of the spinal cord and brain.
  7. Septic shock is a series of pathological disorders in the respiratory, nervous, cardiac and vascular systems.
  8. Cardiogenic edema and sepsis, spread of infection through the bloodstream.

If treatment is not timely and adequate, such complications can be fatal.

Diagnostic examination

It is impossible to diagnose pneumonia based on symptoms alone, since they are similar to many signs of diseases of the respiratory system. Connect to diagnostics:

  • data from general and biochemical studies of blood and sputum;
  • X-ray examination of existing pathological changes in the lung tissues and their location;
  • fibrobronchoscopy and CT examination of the chest;
  • identification of the pathogen by blood culture.

In complicated cases, a pulmonologist is involved in the examination.

Treatment of pneumonia in adults

The main principle of therapy is complex treatment aimed at stopping inflammatory reactions in the lung tissues.

  1. The choice of antibiotics for pneumonia in adults is determined by the type of bacterial pathogen. The most effective are Levofloxacin, Sumamed, Avelox, Cefix or Amrxiclav. Depending on the course of the disease, combinations of these may be prescribed. In severe cases, they are combined with taking the drugs Tenavik or Leflocin.
  2. Expectorants are prescribed for signs of a wet cough and difficulty in passing viscous sputum.
  3. The severe course of the process is stopped by detoxification and glucocorticosteroid drugs aimed at eliminating toxic shock.
  4. At critical temperatures, antipyretic drugs are used.
  5. Severe shortness of breath and severe oxygen starvation syndrome can be relieved with cardiovascular medications.
  6. Multivitamins and immunomodulators are prescribed to strengthen the immune system.

The dosage of drugs and the course of treatment are determined by the doctor purely individually. To ease breathing, patients are prescribed a number of physiotherapeutic courses:

  • oxygen therapy;
  • artificial respiration therapy - mechanical ventilation;
  • various inhalation techniques
Surgery for inflammation of the lung tissue is used in complicated processes caused by purulent accumulation in the organ.

The basis for the prevention of pneumonia in adults is the elimination of hypothermia and systematic hardening of the body. Other factors are also important:

  • timely treatment of infectious diseases;
  • special breathing exercises;
  • flu vaccination and streptococcal vaccination (elderly people - 65 years old);
  • minimizing the inhalation of harmful substances and dust.

Self-medication for this disease is unacceptable, as it complicates and lengthens the healing process and can lead to death.

Pneumonia: ICD 10 code

In the international classification of diseases of the 10th revision, pneumonia is:

Class X. Respiratory diseases

J10-J18 - Flu and pneumonia

J18 - Pneumonia without specifying the causative agent

  • J18.0 - Bronchopneumonia, unspecified
  • J18.1 - Lobar pneumonia, unspecified
  • J18.2 - hypostatic pneumonia, unspecified
  • J18.8 - Other pneumonia, pathogen not specified
  • J18.9 - Pneumonia, unspecified
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Symptoms and treatment

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