Stating that pneumonia is an important public health problem in the world, Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Yeliz Karakan said, “Pneumonia is a lung inflammation caused by various microbes such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. It may occur more frequently and progress more severely in children, elderly people over the age of 65, people with chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, lung diseases, etc.), smokers, drug use and disease conditions that suppress the immune system.”
Liv Hospital Gaziantep Chest Diseases Specialist Dr. Yeliz Karakan warned on November 12, World Pneumonia Day. Stating that pneumonia is an important public health problem in the world, Uzm. Dr. Yeliz Karakan said that pneumonia is one of the most common infectious diseases that cause death in children and adults.
Making a brief definition of pneumonia, Uzm. Dr. Karakan said, “Pneumonia is a lung inflammation caused by various microbes such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is more common in children, the elderly over the age of 65, people with chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, lung diseases, etc.), smokers, drug use and disease conditions that suppress the immune system, and may be more severe.”
“Cough and chest pain may occur”
Speaking about the symptoms of the disease, Uzm. Dr. Karakan said, “The most common symptoms are cough, sputum, fever, chest pain and shortness of breath when it progresses. There may be chills, chills, high fever up to 39-40 C, cough, dirty, inflamed (green, yellow, rust-colored) sputum. Some types of pneumonia have an insidious onset. There may be symptoms such as loss of appetite, weakness, joint and muscle pain followed by dry cough, fever, nausea, vomiting, headache that persist for several days.”
“Diagnosis can be made by physical examination”
Speaking about the importance of early diagnosis of pneumonia and starting treatment without delay, Uzm. Dr. Karakan said, “Physical examination, laboratory tests and lung imaging methods are used in diagnosis. Treatment can be planned on an outpatient or inpatient basis depending on the patient's condition. Antibiotics, painkillers and antipyretics, oxygen and fluid support therapy can be given.”
“Treatment should not be neglected”
Stating that it is of great importance to start treatment on time, Uzm. Dr. Karakan said, “However, it should be essential to prevent the disease. Pneumococcal (pneumococcal), influenza (influenza) vaccines, avoiding smoking and alcohol, adequate and balanced nutrition, hand hygiene, good ventilation and the use of masks by individuals at risk are important to prevent pneumonia.”
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