Symptoms of pneumonia in an adult. Treatment of pneumonia
The acute infectious pathology, which is characterized by the destruction of lung tissue, is called pneumonia. Such a disease is more commonly known as pneumonia. There are many varieties of disease. And all the symptoms of pneumonia in an adult depend on the form of pathology. Understanding such a subtle nuance is an effective key to its treatment.
Brief description of the disease
Pneumonia develops if the infectious and inflammatory process, localized in the respiratory system, extends to the connective tissues of the lungs and the alveoli. Of course, this greatly affects the functioning of the body. After all, the part of fibrin and blood sweat in the alveoli. The patient is hampered by normal breathing, a violation of gas exchange is developing.
The disease can manifest itself in different ways. From the area of the lesion and the localization of the focus depends on the symptoms of pneumonia in an adult. Sometimes intoxication develops. Coagulability of blood can be impaired, bronchial passability worsens.
Despite the rapid development of modern medicine, pathology is quite common. And even today it can lead to death. Therefore, one should know the symptoms of pneumonia in an adult. After all, it is very important to identify the disease in time and start an adequate treatment.
Causes of the development of ailment
In general, the inflammation of the lungs occurs due to the action of microorganisms:
- bacteria (streptococci, pneumococci);
- viruses (pathogens of influenza, parainfluenza, rhinoviruses);
- fungi (aspergillus, histoplasm).
In addition to the above, in the development of pathology can take part special types: legionella, chlamydia, mycoplasma. It is the latter group that provokes the development of atypical pneumonia in adults.
But even if the pathogen has entered the body, a person does not necessarily develop pathology. Symptoms of pneumonia in an adult will only appear if there are factors that reduce immunity.
These include:
- any chronic pathologies (diseases of the urinary system, blood circulation, oncology, liver diseases, HIV infection);
- bad habits;
- mechanical trauma to the lung area;
- complete immobility, prolonged hypodynamia;
- inefficient nutrition (lack of minerals, vitamins);
- occupational hazards;
- debilitating physical exertion;
- fatigue, neurosis, chronic stress;
- elderly age;
- taking certain medications (immunosuppressants, chemotherapy, hormonal drugs);
- penetration of chemical agents in the respiratory tract.
Common signs of illness
Symptoms of pneumonia in an adult are divided into:
- typical (pulmonary);
- atypical (extrapulmonary).
Of course, it is very problematic to diagnose ailment at home at home. However, if you know the common features with which a dangerous pathology manifests, it is quite possible to distinguish it from banal ARVI.
But it should be understood that the following are the general symptoms of pneumonia in an adult.
So, to pulmonary signs carry:
- Cough. Often it is moist, with abundant sputum. However, the elderly can be observed dry.
- Dyspnea. Its occurrence is associated with physical activity. As a rule, it is moderate.
- Pain. Patients experience severe discomfort in the sternum, exactly in the place where the inflammation occurred. When the pneumonia is localized in the lower parts of the lungs, a person experiences symptoms of diaphragm irritation. Pain occurs in the abdomen.
- Rattles are heard, rapid breathing.
- In the case of effusion into the pleural cavity of the fluid, the patient develops acute pain, intensified after coughing, shortness of breath, severe discomfort during movement or deep inspiration. In some cases, a violation of hemodynamics may develop: the pressure will decrease, the pulse will become more frequent, hypoxia will develop.
- The nasolabial triangle acquires a cyanotic shade.
Like many infectious diseases, pneumonia leads to intoxication. In this case, extrapulmonary symptoms are observed.
These include:
- hyperthermia;
- deterioration of the condition: a decline in strength, weakness, fatigue;
- headache, discomfort in the joints and muscles.
However, it should be understood that the clinical picture will be quite diverse in such pathology as pneumonia. Symptoms in adults, treatment depends on many factors. Among which: the causative agent, the mechanism of the development of the disease, the conditions of the onset and course of the disease, the spread of the process, the presence of complications, the severity.
Types of pathology
There are several classifications. Let's consider some of them.
If you take into account the causative agent of the disease, then distinguish the following types of pneumonia:
- bacterial;
- viral;
- mycoplasmic;
- fungal;
- mixed.
According to the mechanism of development, the disease is classified as follows:
- primary (independent disease of the respiratory system);
- secondary (complication of some pathologies);
- posttraumatic;
- postoperative;
- infarct-pneumonia (triggered by pulmonary artery embolism or thrombosis).
In the prevalence of the inflammatory process, pneumonia can be:
- one-sided;
- two-sided.
Depending on the course of the disease, the following forms are distinguished:
- sharp;
- protracted;
- chronic.
Classification by prevailing defeat:
- parenchymal pneumonia (cereal, lobar);
- focal (bronchopneumonia, lobular);
- pathology with connective tissue damage.
Consider the most common species. We will analyze what causes pneumonia symptoms in adults, treatment of the disease and the main features of the pathology.
Viral disease
This pathology has its own peculiarities. However, in its pure form it is extremely rare. In adults, viral-bacterial pneumonia is most often diagnosed.
As a rule, pathology is a complication of acute respiratory viral infection, influenza. If viral pneumonia is diagnosed, the symptoms in adults are as follows:
- muscle pain;
- runny nose, nasal congestion;
- fever;
- general tiredness;
- headache;
- cough with whitish transparent phlegm;
- chills;
- pain in the sternum, worse with deep breaths, coughing.
Asymptomatic pneumonia
In some cases, there may be inflammation of the lungs, which is not manifested by virtually no signs. This pathology is characterized as a latent form of the disease.
Pneumonia without symptoms in an adult is a dangerous condition. As a result of the absence of characteristic signs, the necessary treatment is not carried out. And this, in turn, can lead to quite unpleasant consequences.
In addition, a person does not even suspect that he is contagious, and leads a normal life. The danger lies in the fact that he continues to infect other people.
A latent form of pneumonia can develop as a result of reduced immunity, the intake of certain medications (antitussives, antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids).
And still, one can suspect a pathology by the following symptoms:
- pallor of the skin, mucous membranes;
- shortness of breath;
- a rapid pulse;
- fatigue, weakness;
- an unusual blush;
- wheezing.
Croupous pneumonia
In pathology, a whole lobe of the lung is affected. Sometimes the inflammation spans several lobes. The development of croupous pneumonia is triggered by pneumococcus. The causative agent is highly pathogenic. Therefore, there are severe symptoms of pneumonia in adults: with temperature, intoxication of the body.
The following signs of ailment are characteristic:
- chills;
- hyperthermia (up to 39 degrees Celsius);
- cough (first 2 days - dry);
- pain in the sternum stitching;
- "Rusty" sputum due to veins of blood (appears on day 3);
- shortness of breath.
In case of complication of the pathology, skin hyperemia, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle, herpetic rash on the chin, cheeks, nose, pressure decrease, wheezing in the chest are observed.
Focal pneumonia
Such a disease is characterized by a gradual, barely noticeable beginning. In this case, there are symptoms of pneumonia in adults with a temperature of 38-39 degrees.
The disease manifests itself by the following signs:
- the temperature rises to febrile;
- weakness;
- cough with phlegm;
- sweating;
- dyspnea;
- painful syndrome in the chest with inspiration, cough;
- hard breathing;
- acrocyanosis.
Atypical form of the disease
Sometimes symptoms of pneumonia in an adult without temperature are observed. This form is provoked by atypical microorganisms:
- mycoplasma;
- legionella;
- chlamydia.
Atypical pneumonia can cause and viruses, fungi, protozoa. Symptoms of pneumonia in an adult without a temperature are very similar to a cold.
The main signs of the disease:
- weakness, fatigue;
- headache;
- stuffy nose, runny nose;
- dry cough, significantly worse at night;
- a sore throat;
- shortness of breath, wheezing;
- nausea, vomiting.
However, if the pathology is provoked by the legionella microorganism, then the temperature may rise. For pathology, a strong cough is characteristic. A somewhat different clinic is observed if it is provoked by chlamydia, mycoplasma pneumonia. Symptoms in adults without temperature are a characteristic manifestation of such a pathology.
This form of illness is susceptible to:
- smokers;
- living in the general closed premises (barracks, hostels);
- people with weakened immunity;
- patients suffering from chronic lung diseases;
- children;
- young people.
Radical pneumonia
This is a very serious form of pathology. Symptoms of radical pneumonia in adults may not appear for a long time. But at the same time very often lead to dangerous consequences. The insidiousness of the pathology lies in the difficulty of diagnosis. After all, the focus of inflammation at the root of the lung is localized.
The disease proceeds much brighter than a simple pathology. It should not be forgotten that the radical pneumonia is very dangerous. Symptoms and treatment in adults should be observed by a doctor. After all, if the therapy is wrong, the risk of complications is high.
Symptoms are characterized by the following symptoms:
- wheezing in the lungs;
- severe cough (dry or with a lot of sputum);
- elevated temperature, not confused by drugs;
- discomfort in the throat, pershenie;
- coryza;
- weakness, chills.
The main method of combating pathology is antibiotic therapy. If the treatment is chosen correctly, then the patient becomes much easier already for 2-3 days. Often used and fizioprotsedury.
Treatment of ailment
The approach to combating the disease must be comprehensive. The basis of treatment is made up of antibiotics. Preference is given to the penicillin drug. However, in a number of cases, other medicines may be prescribed.
The most popular antibiotics used to treat pneumonia are:
- "Augmentin".
- "Amoxicillin."
- "Cefazolin."
- "Amoxiclav."
- "Cefatoxime."
- "Azithromycin".
In addition, symptomatic therapy is prescribed. The patient is recommended expectorant drugs, restorative drugs, antipyretic drugs. Depending on the form of pathology, mucolytic, antimicrobial medications are prescribed.
If there are symptoms characteristic of a form such as SARS, symptoms in adults without temperature, then antibiotics are selected depending on the bacterium that caused the ailment. As a rule, the following drugs are prescribed:
- "Erythromycin".
- "Azithromycin".
- "Tetracycline."
Conclusion
Any form of pneumonia today is successfully cured. But the main thing is to consult a doctor in a timely manner and fully comply with the prescribed treatment. The implementation of such simple rules will give a quick recovery. Health to you!
syl.ru
Symptoms of pneumonia in adults
Do not underestimate the common cold, because an untreated infection can lead to the development of pulmonary inflammation, i.e. pneumonia. This is a more serious disease, even fatal. Having found out signs of a pneumonia at the adult, the last it is necessary to address to the doctor. This is necessary because the inflammation can have not only a pronounced, but also a hidden character. The instructions below will help to recognize what pneumonia is and what symptoms it indicates.
The first symptoms of pneumonia in an adult
Pneumonia, depending on the type of pathogen and the nature of the flow is divided into several types:
- acute or chronic;
- virus;
- fungal;
- radical;
- croup or pleuropneumonia;
- bronchopneumonia;
- aspiration;
- bilateral or one-sided.
There are several types of pneumonia, but they have common symptoms:
- Persistent cough. First dry, and with the development of the disease wet with pus and mucous sputum yellow-green hue.
- The duration of the cold is more than a week. Viral disease not only does not pass, but is characterized by deterioration.
- Repeated increase in body temperature after period of improvement.
- Absence of a positive effect of antipyretic drugs.
- Painful sensations when coughing in the chest and back, shortness of breath, pale skin.
- General malaise, excessive sweating, lack of appetite.
Bronchopneumonia
A distinctive feature of bronchopneumonia is its foci, i.e. the disease affects many small areas of the pulmonary lobules. More often it occurs as a result of complications of bronchitis, when the virus descends lower in the respiratory system. A large number of lesions makes it difficult to diagnose and treat such a form of pneumonia, therefore it is characterized by frequent relapses. Signs of focal pneumonia in adult women and men look like this:
- chills, intense fever;
- cough dry, with abundant phlegm or even with bloody discharge;
- quickening of breathing;
- internal rales;
- increase in temperature up to 39 ° С;
- lack of appetite;
- pale skin;
- sleep disorders;
- cramps of the lower part of the legs;
- lack of air;
- pain with deep breath and cough.
Hidden pneumonia
Pneumonia of the lungs may not manifest symptoms. This is a particularly severe, latent form of infection caused by chlamydia or mycoplasmas, i.e. Atypical for common inflammation it is difficult to determine, because the nature of the course of the disease is often asymptomatic and sluggish, but doctors can notice signs of atypical pneumonia in adult:
- intermittent breathing with whistles;
- the appearance of sweat on the forehead, even with minor loads;
- the blush on the cheeks stains;
- dyspnea;
- a constant thirst;
- increased heart rate;
- difficult breathing;
- general malaise;
- one half of the chest remains immobile during breathing.
Two-sided
What is the risk of bilateral pneumonia? The lesions are extensive and located in both lungs, which causes oxygen starvation of the body, because healthy departments can not cope. In addition, the following signs of viral pneumonia are noted:
- heat;
- weakness of the body, low appetite;
- lack of air;
- blanching of the skin;
- blue lips and fingertips;
- impaired consciousness;
- dry or wet cough;
- hard breath.
Grybkovoy
Another dangerous form of pneumonia is fungal. With her, too, there are difficulties in diagnosis, because the clinical picture is poorly due to the specificity of the fungus - the causative agent of the disease. This leads to the fact that the potential patient does not even know about his disease. A person can get infected while in a room where there is damp and there is mold.
First there are signs characteristic of usual pneumonia in the form of dyspnea, heavy breathing, malaise and high fever. Then they are joined by a cough with purulent discharge as a result of rupture of inflammations formed by microorganisms. Complications of pneumonia of the fungal form are more often presented in the form of pleurisy due to the ingress of pus into the pleural cavity.
Pleuropneumonia
This form of infectious disease is also called croupous. Pleuropneumonia often affects up to 2-3 lobes of the lung and necessarily draws into its process the membrane - the pleura. The following are the first symptoms of infection:
- the temperature rises to 40 ° C;
- there is a strong chill and a headache;
- when breathing, there is pain in the chest;
- breathing becomes superficial because of pain.
With the development of the eye the patient's eyes become shiny, the lips acquire a bright cherry color, a blush appears on the side of the pneumonia. Herpes sores can form on the neck. After the appearance of a cough, rusty sputum begins to disappear the next day, sometimes vomiting occurs. After another day, there is such shortness of breath that the patient is unable to rise even to the floor.
Aspiration
This kind of pneumonia develops when fluids get into the lungs, vomit or food. As you can see in the photo, the foreign body is determined by x-ray. The following features are distinguished by the aspiration form:
- cough with discharge of unpleasant smelling mucus with impurities of pus and blood;
- feverish condition;
- pain in the chest;
- constant shortness of breath;
- blue skin;
- increased sweating;
- difficulty in swallowing.
The main symptoms of pneumonia
Pneumonia is an insidious disease that can go on without pronounced symptoms. The danger is that a person connects the ailment with overstrain at work or with other factors, and therefore does not hurry to see a doctor. For this reason, complications often occur or the disease becomes chronic, which complicates both diagnosis and treatment.
Without temperature
The latent form of pneumonia in an adult without a cough and other characteristic symptoms is one of the most dangerous. The patient does not notice signs, and therefore delays with the necessary treatment. Symptoms of pneumonia in an adult without fever are presented in the following list:
- constant weakness and tendency to sleep;
- tired look with a painful blush;
- hard, wheezing;
- the appearance of dyspnea with light loads;
- violation of the heart rate, increased heart rate;
- increased sweating, especially at night;
- lack of normal appetite.
Chronic pneumonia
Any untreated disease flows into a chronic form. This also applies to pneumonia. When there is at least one focus of inflammation in the lungs, it can cause chronic pneumonia. Such a process is dangerous because it can lead to cardiovascular failure. Characteristic chronic signs of pneumonia in adults are as follows:
- hard breath;
- cough with phlegm, sometimes including pus;
- rapid pulse;
- dyspnea;
- general malaise of the body;
- lack of appetite;
- weight loss;
- during periods of relapse - cough, fever.
Video about the symptoms and treatment of pneumonia
Having found out at itself signs of a pneumonia, it is necessary to address immediately to the doctor. Only he will be able to determine the form, the nature of the course of the disease and will prescribe the right therapy. To know what changes in the body indicate pneumonia, look at the video below, from which you will understand both the symptoms and the treatment of pneumonia.
sovets.net
Antibiotics for pneumonia. Treatment of pneumonia with antibiotics in adults and children
Inflammation of the lungs is a disease that occurs in both adults and very young children. The causative agents are viruses, bacteria, other microorganisms. The main danger that can be expected from a given ailment is an extremely difficult physical condition and even a lethal outcome. That is why therapy should be timely. In general, the treatment of pneumonia with antibiotics is practiced.
How pneumonia develops. Classification
Most often, this disease occurs because of the entry into the respiratory tract of pathogenic microflora: staphylococci, pneumococci, Legionella, Escherichia coli and others. In this case, inflammatory processes in the tissues of the respiratory system develop. Lung inflammation can also be caused by viral infections, and some toxic substances, rarely pneumonia is a consequence of a chest injury. There is a risk group, which includes smokers, people who abuse alcohol, patients who are in bed for a long time, as well as elderly people. Depending on the type of pathogen distinguish bacterial, viral, fungal and mixed pneumonia. If one lung is affected, then one-sided inflammation is indicated. There can also be bilateral, total, share, segmental pneumonia. Depending on the epidemiological data, the disease is nosocomial, community-acquired, atypical, and also caused by immunodeficiency.
The main symptoms of the disease
One of the main symptoms in the development of inflammatory processes in the lungs is cough. Also, when breathing can feel a characteristic pain, there is shortness of breath. Especially acute are painful sensations with deep breaths, coughing. At a pneumonia the high temperature of a body is observed. However, not always the inflammation of the lungs is accompanied by its increase. The patient feels weakness in the entire body, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea and even vomiting is possible. Symptoms are especially severe in older people and children. All this suggests that to ease the condition and to avoid the development of complications, it is necessary to start taking antibiotics for pneumonia. This disease has a special feature: antibacterial drugs are prescribed immediately, without waiting for laboratory tests. After receiving the results of sputum analysis, treatment is adjusted.
Stages of the course of the disease
Specialists distinguish three degrees of severity of inflammation of the respiratory system. The mild stage is characterized by mild intoxication, body temperature is within 38 ºС, heartbeat is not accelerated. In this case, the person retains a clear consciousness. At the X-ray examination, a small affected area is found. At a more severe degree, the temperature can increase to 39 ° C, intoxication is more pronounced. There is a moderate tachycardia, there is shortness of breath. X-ray images clearly show infiltration. The heaviest degree is characterized not only by the high temperature (up to 40 ºС), but also by the cloudiness of the mind. A person can be delirious, breath comes even in a calm state. At the same time, intoxication of the body is clearly pronounced.
Antibiotic for pneumonia in adults
This group of drugs is aimed at the destruction of pathogenic flora. The first thing a specialist should do is to suppress the acute symptoms of the disease. In this case, antibiotics are prescribed, which have a wide spectrum of action.
Then the doctor sends a sample of phlegm to the laboratory. The results of the studies influence the further treatment. A specific pathogen that provoked the disease is established. The specialist chooses the necessary antibiotic for pneumonia in adults, whose action will be directed to the destruction of this microorganism. A combination of drugs is often required, as there may be several pathogens. For a competent selection of drugs, use an antibioticogram.
Antibioticogram
This analysis helps to determine whether the patient's body is sensitive to a particular antibiotic. After all, the market is saturated with all sorts of drugs, and often bacteria show resistance to one type of medication, but are destroyed under the influence of another. For the study, the patient needs sputum. The sample is exposed to different preparations. In this analysis, the most effective antibiotics for pneumonia for a particular patient are selected. They will suppress the growth of microorganisms. Weaker drugs will not interfere with their development. The accuracy of such an investigation is high. The only drawback is that it takes a long time to wait for the results: they will be ready after 2-5 days.
Groups of antibiotics used in the treatment of pneumonia
The most common treatment for pneumonia with antibiotics begins with a wide-spectrum drugs. These include penicillins, macrolides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinols, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins.
Penicillins are one of the first antibacterial drugs. They are natural and semi-synthetic. Well penetrate into body fluids and tissues. Can cause and a number of undesirable phenomena: diarrhea, hypersensitivity, allergic reactions. Treatment of pneumonia with antibiotics of this type is effective if the pathogens are streptococci, staphylococci.
Tetracyclines are drugs that are used less and less. The reason for this is the resistance of microorganisms to their action. Also, the peculiarity of the drugs lies in their ability to accumulate in the tissues of the bones. In this case, they can lead to the destruction of teeth. Therefore, such antibiotics for pneumonia are not prescribed to pregnant women, women during lactation, young children, and also to patients who have kidney problems. Representatives of preparations of tetracycline group - "Doxycycline "Tetracycline".
Cephalosporin group
There are 4 generations of this type of medicine. To preparations of the first generation carry "Цефазолин "Цефалексин etc. They are active on the bacteria of the coccus group (pneumococci, staphylococci). The second generation of drugs has good antibacterial properties in relation to both gram-positive and gram-negative flora. The half-life period is approximately 1 hour. Cephalosporins, which belong to the third generation, have an excellent effect on microorganisms that are resistant to penicillin group drugs ("Cefotaxime "Cefoperazone"). They are used to treat severe forms of infections. Cefepim - the name of antibiotics for pneumonia of the fourth generation. They are the most active. Among the adverse reactions after taking cephalosporins, the allergy is most often identified. About 10% of patients note the presence of allergic reactions to these drugs.
Macrolides. Aminoglycosides
Macrolides are used to neutralize cocci, legionella, chlamydia. They are well absorbed into the body, but eating somewhat slows down the process. Allergic reactions are very rare. Representatives of this category are such drugs as "Erythromycin "Azithromycin "Clarithromycin". The main area of their application is infectious processes in the respiratory tract. However, a contraindication to taking such drugs is a violation in the liver.
Aminoglycosides are antibiotics for pneumonia, which actively affect aerobic gram-negative microorganisms. They are also used in cases when the disease is caused not by one type of bacteria, and therefore it is necessary to combine antibacterial drugs to achieve the desired result. Representatives of the group are such drugs as "Gentamicin "Amikacin". Dosage is calculated depending on the patient's body weight, age, severity of the disease. When taking such drugs, you need control over the glomerular filtration in the kidneys.
Class of quinols and fluoroquinols
Medicines of this category are divided into 4 generations. Non-fluorinated (this is the first generation) actively affect Legionella, Escherichia coli. Somewhat less they affect chlamydia, cocci. Preparations of the first generation are used for light infections. The remaining quinols (from the second to the fourth generation) are fluorinated. All drugs are well distributed in the body. They are excreted from the body mainly by the kidneys. The main contraindications for use are the period of bearing of the child, increased sensitivity to the drug. In addition, it is undesirable to use non-fluorinated drugs to patients who have impaired liver and kidney function. Fluoroquinols are not prescribed for children (under 18 years of age). The only exception is the absence of an alternative. This class includes such drugs as "Ciprofloxacin "Pefloxacin "Levofloxacin". Intravenously, these medications are administered only drip.
What are the rules for prescribing antibacterial drugs?
If pneumonia is diagnosed, which antibiotics to take, only the specialist decides. After the beginning of the use of drugs, they can be replaced by others. Indications for this are serious side effects that can occur with the treatment of certain drugs. Also, the replacement occurs if the doctor does not observe the desired result (and the changes for the better should appear already on the second or third day). Some antibiotics are quite toxic. Therefore, their reception can not be long. In general, the treatment of pneumonia in adults with antibiotics lasts 10 days. But more serious infections require significantly more time (about a month). The specialist must take into account the general condition of the patient, and the presence of certain concomitant and chronic diseases, the age of a person. When prescribing antibacterial drugs, it is also important to create a dose of the drug in the blood, which will be sufficient precisely for a given severity of the disease.
In what forms are antibiotics used
Depending on the stage of the disease and the severity of its course, different methods of drug administration are used. Basically, in the early days of the disease, drugs are injected. Cephalosporin (antibiotics for pneumonia) injections are administered intravenously or intramuscularly. This is possible due to their low toxicity. A feature of macrolides is that they accumulate and continue to act even when the medication is stopped. The mild forms of the disease are treated within 10 days. In this case, antibiotics can be used for pneumonia in tablets. However, experts argue that the oral form of taking medicines is not so effective. This is because it is difficult to calculate the exact dosage. It is not recommended to change preparations frequently, since this can develop the resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics.
Features of treatment of pneumonia in children
Especially dangerous is pneumonia for young patients. A disease can even occur in toddlers. The main symptoms of pneumonia in small patients are wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and frequent breathing, high fever (which lasts quite a long time). It is worth paying attention to the behavior of the baby. He loses his appetite, becomes sluggish, restless. The most important symptom of pneumonia in young children is the blueing of the area between the lips and nose. As a rule, there is pneumonia as a complication after an acute respiratory viral infection, and not as an independent disease. There are also congenital pneumonia (causative agent - herpes virus, mycoplasma), infection can occur directly during or after childbirth. In newborns, the airways are small, the gas exchange is less intense. Therefore, the disease is more severe.
Antibiotics and children
As for adults, antibiotics are the basis of therapy for pneumonia in children. When pneumonia in children, they are administered parenterally. This makes it possible to minimize the effects of drugs on the microflora of the digestive system. It is also possible to take drugs in the form of injections or inhalations. The last method is the most comfortable for young children. If the child's age does not exceed 6 months, then the treatment is performed exclusively in the hospital, where the baby is under the constant supervision of specialists. The course of therapy for children is 7 days in case of taking penicillin group drugs, cephalosporins. If the doctor prescribed macrolides (this may be "Azithromycin "Clarithromycin"), then the duration of treatment is reduced to 5 days. Antibiotics for pneumonia in children should show efficacy within 3 days. Otherwise, it is possible to replace the drug.
Do not self-medicate. Even the best antibiotics for pneumonia, which helped one child, for another can be ineffective, and even completely dangerous. It is very important to strictly adhere to the schedule of taking medications. It is impossible to take synthetic vitamins and other immunomodulating agents in parallel. To prevent the onset of pneumonia, it is necessary to avoid hypothermia of the body, to timely treat colds and other infectious diseases. Do not forget about the right balanced diet.
syl.ru
Viral pneumonia: symptoms and treatment. Viral pneumonia: symptoms in children
Viral pneumonia is a fairly common disease that is accompanied by an inflammatory lesion of the lower respiratory tract. Of course, in this case, the role of pathogens are viruses. It should be noted that the disease affects both adults and children, and the clinical picture in this case is quite typical. So what is the disease? What methods of treatment are used in modern medicine?
The main causes of the disease: varieties of pathogens
For starters, it should be noted that viral pneumonia is most common in patients of childhood. According to statistics, approximately 90% of cases of this disease are registered in the pediatric ward.
Various viruses can act as causative agents. In particular, it can be influenza A and B viruses, as well as adenoviruses, respiratory-sicitial virus, parainfluenza virus, etc. As a rule, the infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. By the way, in most cases, after a few days, a bacterial infection also joins the virus.
Viral pneumonia: symptoms of disease in adults
The incubation period for such a disease usually lasts about 3-5 days. At the end of this period, the first signs of a disease called "viral pneumonia" begin to appear. Symptoms in this case depend on many factors, including the age of the patient, the type of infection, the general condition of the body, etc.
Pneumonia is often preceded by an acute respiratory disease, such as influenza. At the beginning of the development of inflammation there are symptoms of acute intoxication of the body. In particular, patients complain of malaise and weakness, increased body temperature (sometimes up to 40 degrees), as well as body aches, chills, muscle aches. In addition, there may be nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Some patients complain of pain in the eyeballs.
Symptoms of viral pneumonia are rapidly increasing. There is a persistent nasal congestion and runny nose. Then there is a dry cough, which gradually turns into a wet cough - there is a discharge of mucous sputum. In the event that mucus is mixed with pus, we can talk about the attachment of a bacterial infection.
As a rule, viral pneumonia causes bilateral inflammation. Some patients complain of shortness of breath. Sometimes you can notice blue fingertips and nose, which is associated with developing hypoxia. Pain in the chest appears only in the most severe cases.
Viral pneumonia: symptoms in children
As already mentioned, in 90% of cases this disease affects children. In the absence of treatment, this disease can be extremely dangerous. That is why it is important to call a doctor in time, because only a specialist can put a child diagnosed as "viral pneumonia".
Symptoms in children correspond to the clinical picture of the disease in adults. Despite the fact that the first signs can easily be confused with the flu or other acute respiratory disease, some characteristic features can still be noted.
For example, unlike ARVI, the temperature at a pneumonia does not normalize after 1-2 days. In addition, the child can observe a noticeable shortness of breath. Severe fever in babies can cause seizures and loss of consciousness. In severe forms of ailment, it can be noted that when inhaled, the baby's chest is retracted (normally it should expand).
In any case, acute viral pneumonia in children is an excuse to see a doctor as soon as possible. The lack of medical care can lead to complications, especially when it comes to children of childhood.
Influenza pneumonia and its features
Most often, the cause of pneumonia is precisely the flu virus. Such a disease has a rather characteristic clinical picture - a sharp increase in temperature, the appearance symptoms of intoxication, as well as a dry cough, during which the mucous sputum begins to separate.
But there is also a rather specific hemorrhagic form of influenza pneumonia, which is considered extremely dangerous. Symptoms appear abruptly, and the patient's condition is aggravated swiftly. In the separated phlegm, blood impurities can be noticed. In severe cases, this ailment is accompanied by pulmonary edema, the development of respiratory failure, and sometimes a coma.
Pneumonia caused by other viruses
Often the cause of inflammation are other viruses, and the symptoms of the disease can depend precisely on the nature of the pathogen:
- When parainfluenza clinical picture is similar to influenza pneumonia, but the symptoms are weaker and the patient's condition is not so severe.
- If the cause of inflammation are adenoviruses, then the disease is characterized by persistent fever, an increase lymph nodes on the neck, as well as a prolonged cough, inflammation of the trachea, hemoptysis, conjunctivitis.
- With respiratory syncytial pneumonia, there is a persistent increase in body temperature, as well as severe pain in the chest area.
Modern diagnostic methods
Of course, in the presence of the symptoms described above, it is worthwhile to immediately see a doctor. During the examination, the specialist should find out which disorders disturb the patient. After a physical examination, the doctor will prescribe some additional tests that will help to make an accurate diagnosis.
In particular, a mandatory study for suspected pneumonia is radiography - the images show interstitial changes in the lung tissue. In addition, it is necessary to submit blood samples. A general analysis will confirm the presence of an inflammatory process. Also, in the blood of patients, the number of antibody titres to these or other viruses is increasing.
Sometimes patients take samples of mucus from the nose and throat - they are subsequently examined using the immunofluorescence method.
What kind of treatment does modern medicine offer?
Viral pneumonia in adults and children requires appropriate treatment. To begin with, the doctor will consider the issue of hospitalization. Treatment of newborns, elderly people, as well as patients with severe cardiovascular diseases should be treated in a hospital. With an easy course of the disease, it is possible to conduct outpatient therapy, at home.
To begin with, it should be noted that the patient needs bed rest and adequate nutrition. Also, an abundant, warm drink is extremely important - it speeds up the process of releasing toxins from the body.
In the first 48 hours after the onset of the disease, antiviral drugs are recommended, for example, "Ingavirin "Tamiflu" (if it is a case of influenza pneumonia) or "Acyclovir" (is used if the causative agent is a virus of the wind smallpox).
Antiviral therapy is not the only activity that is conducted with a disease called "viral pneumonia". Treatment also includes antipyretic drugs, for example, "Nurofen" or "Paracetamol which not only eliminate fever, but have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.
In order to facilitate the process of sputum discharge, such expectorants as "Lazolvan "Fluidite "Bronchicum "Ambrobene" are used. If viral pneumonia is complicated by a bacterial infection, antibiotics are additionally included in the course of treatment.
Are complications possible?
Viral pneumonia is a serious illness. If the patient was provided with high-quality medical care on time, then the forecasts are quite favorable. Complications occur only if the patient refuses therapy or when severe forms of the disease occur.
The most common complications include lung destruction. In some cases, pneumonia promotes the development of pleurisy - a disease accompanied by inflammation of the pleural membranes. Occasionally, patients develop cardiopulmonary insufficiency.
Preventative precautions
There are some recommendations, observing which, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing a viral form of pneumonia. First and foremost, doctors advise to be vaccinated against measles and flu in time. If possible, try to avoid contact with infected people. In conditions of unfavorable epidemiological situation, it is necessary to reduce the time spent in public places to a minimum or carry with them individual means of protection, for example, medical masks.
Naturally, attention should be paid to strengthening the immune system - to monitor nutrition, exercise, harden organism, take multivitamin complexes, etc. As in any other case, it is important to follow the rules of personal hygiene. And do not forget that viral pneumonia requires proper treatment, so do not ignore the doctor's recommendations.
syl.ru
Inflammation of the lungs in adults: symptoms, treatment
Inflammation of the lungs in adults is an acute lung injury. The cause of pneumonia (this is the name of this inflammatory process in medicine) is an infection that penetrates the body by airborne droplets. Initially, to determine whether a patient actually has a given severe inflammatory process, he is given a referral to the chest X-ray.The prognosis for a positive outcome of this disease depends solely on what caused the inflammatory process, what measures were taken Initially, as well as - at what stage the patient turned to the doctor for help (that is, how much time has passed since the appearance of the first signs of the disease and before resorting to doctor).
Epidemiology of pneumonia
To date, pneumonia is one of the most common infectious lesions of the human lungs. Every day, pneumonia affects about 15 people in the world. If you resort to statistics on mortality from pneumonia, of the 2 million people who have lung pneumonia, 4, 00 die.
Doctors call pneumonia a terrible disease that affects both young children and elderly people. Moreover, despite the development of medicine and the progress of scientific technologies, pneumonia (pneumonia) is a common and frequently occurring cause of death in all developing countries.
Lethal outcome of pneumonia
The death from pneumonia is increased exponentially. It is the leader in mortality among infections with infectious diseases. A list of diseases that most often leads to mortality is created. In the first place are cardiovascular lesions, then oncology and in third place - infectious pneumonia.
Among the reasons for the increased mortality of patients from pneumonia, it is necessary to indicate reduced immunity. It is against this background that most inflammatory and infectious processes develop, because the body does not have the physical strength to resist infection.
The first signs of pneumonia
As mentioned above, the form of manifestation of pneumonia depends entirely on the type of pathogen. Depending on the type of infectious process in the body, the first signs of pneumonia are isolated.
If pneumonia is diagnosed at the mild / first stage of the lesion, the chances of a positive outcome are quite high.
Among the first signs of the inflammatory process of the lungs can be identified such as:
- A heat that lasts for several days;
- Prolonged runny nose;
- Prolonged cough;
- Chills, a person is feverish, even despite the intake of antibiotics, and special antipyretic drugs;
- Shortness of breath while walking or a long conversation;
- A person may feel that he is suffocating and he does not have enough oxygen;
- Increased weakness in the body;
- Muscle weakness;
- Man gets tired very quickly.
Among all these signs, the first thing that should disturb a person is an acute, catastrophic lack of air. Indeed, it creates the feeling that something is strangling you, the rope is tightening around your neck. A person can make uncomfortable wheezing, he wants to clear his throat and start breathing freely.
At the first stage of pneumonia as such, the defeat of the upper respiratory tract may not be. But, it will progress with every day (without lack of treatment), and turn into a deadly phenomenon.
Diagnosis of pneumonia at an early stage
Diagnosis of pneumonia at an early stage of the disease can be done with a chest X-ray. At this stage, the first lesions of the pulmonary parenchyma are already visible. What if you have pneumonia?
If pneumonia is detected at an early stage, it is mandatory to start taking antibiotics in order to prevent pulmonary insufficiency.
Important!
With an increase in temperature, the appearance of chills, runny nose, attacks of suffocation, you can call an ambulance. But! If at an early stage to identify an acute pathological lesion of the lungs will not be possible. The physiological state of the patient must be monitored in dynamics. On the second, third day the patient begins to breathe heavily, and wheezing is heard in the lungs.
It is very important not to miss the moment of defeat of lung tissue. Otherwise it can be very late and the volume of allocated infiltrative foci will be deadly.
Definition of pneumonia of the lungs by specific features
Pneumonia in an adult has some specific characteristics, which necessarily need to pay attention.
- Since the virus that causes pneumonia affects the blood vessels of the lungs, the person as a result of this can be ill more than 3 Once every year (because the lungs are overgrown with fibrous tissue or in simple words - scarring occurs tissue).
- In an adult, pneumonia most often develops against the background of influenza. After a specific sneezing, runny nose, severe headache, and increased fatigue, a cough begins with sputum and blood.
- Inflammation is characterized by a specific pain in the chest.
Signs of bilateral pneumonia
In order to recognize bilateral pneumonia, it is necessary to pay attention to such signs of damage to the body as:
- Blood veins after every attack of cough;
- The rise in temperature is very rapid, a feeling is created that a person burns;
- Severe rhinitis;
- Continuous debilitating cough;
- Pain in the pile, like after hitting the chest with your fist;
- A red face, an unblinking blush on his cheeks;
- Eruptions of herpes on the face, lips.
Treatment of pneumonia
The first drug that is used in the treatment of pneumonia is antibiotics. Further, the patient must necessarily endure the disease without getting out of bed; he was given a generous warm drink, as well as an easy balanced diet.
For the cough relief, special expectorants are used.
Self-treatment, without examining the doctor and prescribed prescription of therapeutic actions, is not permissible.
medportal.su