Inflammation of the lungs

Pneumonia (synonym: pneumonia) is an inflammatory process of the lung tissue that affects the entire respiratory system. As statistics have shown, a considerable number of people who do not have the necessary knowledge distinguish between the concepts of "pneumonia" and "pneumonia", while, in fact, they mean the same disease. And it is, as a rule, one of the most common in the life of an average person.

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What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia can be "caught" by airborne droplets. In the most standard scenario, the infection affects only the upper respiratory tract ( larynx, nasopharynx, trachea ), and does not go lower. But, under certain conditions, such as weakened immunity, increased activity of microbes, prolonged inhalation of low-quality air, and the like, the disease can go deeper. And if the process does not stop at inflammation of the bronchial mucosa (bronchitis), then, in the end, it comes to inflammation of the lung tissue, which is called the term "pneumonia".

In a word, air is the most valuable resource in this case, and much depends on its qualitative composition. But the method described above, which causes pneumonia, is not the only one. Many do not know that the function of the lungs is not only to perform gas exchange: remove carbon dioxide from the blood and absorb oxygen. They can regulate the exchange of salts and liquids, which, for example, humidifies the inhaled air, they prevent the penetration of a large number of "bad" substances into the body, which fill the environment, they regulate body temperature and the blood coagulation system.

These functions are associated with the occurrence of pneumonia. After a fairly serious harmful effect on the body - any inflammatory process, bone fracture, surgery, burn, etc. - there is a possibility that pneumonia will occur. This is due to the fact that, as a result of the listed phenomena, various harmful substances are formed in the blood - blood clots, toxins, remnants of damaged tissue. The lungs take most of these substances on themselves, as they are a unique filter. And this filter is very complex, not intended for repair, so it should be treated with care.

Pneumonia: risk groups

Pneumonia often occurs in people with liver failure, bronchial asthma, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with immunodeficiency - those who have undergone organ transplants, suffer from HIV infection and infants. Chronic alcoholics and drug addicts are at risk for aspiration pneumonia - a very serious disease. Pneumonia often develops in patients with intubation, since artificial ventilation negates all protective functions of the body that are located above the larynx.

Characteristic symptoms of pneumonia

Pneumonia and its symptoms are related to breathing: frequent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, while the constant "companion" of these phenomena is a high temperature, and subsequently weakness, sweating and headaches may appear. Many people confuse pneumonia with ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection, after which the inflammatory process often develops deeper) and are in no hurry to visit a doctor. An important factor that helps determine whether there is pneumonia: sputum produced during coughing, which is "purulent" and often consists of streaks of blood.

A doctor diagnoses pneumonia using a blood test, listening to chest noises, and the most reliable method – an X-ray of the lungs. In the case of an analysis, an increased numberof leukocytes may be detected in the blood - this indicates the presence of a bacterial infection in it; in the case of an X-ray, certain darkening will be visible on the image. The causative agent of the disease is determined by microscopic analysis of sputum and taking a bacterial culture.

Sometimes it is difficult to determine the source that is causing pneumonia, and doctors perform a biopsy: an operation during which infected material is manually collected directly from the lung using an endoscope.

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How is pneumonia treated?

Pneumonia is treated with antibiotics, and the sooner the patient begins the process, the easier and faster it will pass. They are usually given to the patient even before the results of the bacterial study appear. The most common bacteria that causes pneumonia is pneumococcus, so antibiotics are most often prescribed against it.

The average statistical period of improvement of the patient's condition with pneumonia is 4-5 days, and if after this period the condition has not changed, then the drug is replaced - in accordance with laboratory studies to identify the type of pathogen. Special chest massage and breathing exercises can be performed. The patient is recommended to drink a lot of warm liquid to reduce the viscosity of sputum.

How to treat pneumonia with folk methods:

1. Pour one tablespoon of oregano with a glass of boiling water, leave for twenty minutes, strain. Divide one glass into four servings per day;
2. Pour one tablespoon of linden with a glass of boiling water, leave for an hour, strain. Take one glass 2-3 times a day;
3. Pour one liter of hot water over a glass of common viburnum fruits, boil for ten minutes, strain, add three tablespoons of honey. Take half a glass 3 times a day.

How to prevent pneumonia?

1. Elderly people (over 65) and those at risk are recommended to be vaccinated against different types of streptococcus. Children at risk are vaccinated in a specially designed way;
2. Getting vaccinated against influenza can help prevent pneumonia, which is a common cause of pneumonia;
3. Frequent and thorough hand washing is effective in preventing pneumonia;
4. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and rest help strengthen the body's resistance and can prevent pneumonia;
5. Refusal/non-acceptance of smoking.

So we have learned information that will help us identify pneumonia and understand what to do about it.