Dry cough, chest pain, malaise. Are some of the hallmarks of pneumonia, a lung infection usually bacterial origin. Its incidence is fairly common in infants and elderly, and although antibiotic treatment is effective, complications can occur if detected late.
Each year are infected with pneumonia about 40 of every 1,000 babies (under one year) and over 75 years. Its incidence in adults is lower (12 per 1,000 people) and limited to people with respiratory problems (especially smokers) or with weakened immune systems: chronically ill patients with AIDS or leukemia, etc.
We speak of a disease with high mortality in developing countries, both because of the delay in diagnosis and the lack of medicines. In Spain, the death toll is much lower, but still reaches 14% of patients.
Care for coughs and chest pains
The key to detect and treat pneumonia (formerly known as pneumonia) is to pay attention to symptoms, many of them similar to those of other conditions such as flu or colds. The most typical are: cough (dry or accompanied by phlegm), pain or discomfort in the chest, side or back, fever (not always present), usually accompanied by sweating and chills, difficulty breathing, bluish lips and fingernails, less often, abdominal pain, headache, nausea and vomiting.
The source of infection are certain bacteria such as pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila, but can also be caused by viruses such as influenza, cold, the chicken pox or the syndrome Severe acute respiratory, and yeast.
Login not always necessary
The patient with pneumonia do not always have to be hospitalized and, in fact, often simply treated with antibiotics (you have to start as soon as possible and follow it carefully) accompanied by a few days of rest. It is also recommended to drink plenty of fluids and, although no clear scientific evidence on their effectiveness, using vapor to reduce coughing and more fluid secretions. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days and generally start to feel better within 2-4 days.
In any case, is not a particularly contagious disease, the only prophylaxis is not necessary to share with patients or crockery and cutlery, if there is close physical contact (mothers caring for their young children, for example), washing hands frequently.
Again with the vaccine
There is nothing to protect us fully from pneumonia. The best prevention is to have an immune system functioning optimally. It is also advised stay away from negative factors such as smoke, snuff, which makes the lungs more vulnerable to infection. For children, it is important not to expose them to cold at birth and continue to ensure that adequate food.
With regard to vaccines, the evidence shows that their effectiveness is relative and, in fact, there is no universally that protects against all types of pneumonia. There is against Haemophilus influenzae type B, which is part of the childhood vaccination schedule. And there are other flu and some types of pneumococcus, which can be recommended for those over 65 years. The Spanish Association of Pediatrics, meanwhile, has requested that the pneumococcal vaccine is administered to all children, although currently not included in the immunization schedule of all regions.
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