Pneumonia

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

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What causes pneumonia?

Inflammation of the lungs can be "picked up" by airborne droplets. At the most standard development of events, the infection affects only the upper respiratory tract ( larynx, nasopharynx, trachea ), and does not descend below. But, under certain conditions, such as weakening immunity, increased activity of microbes, prolonged inhalation of low-quality air and the like, the disease can go deeper. And, if the process has not stopped on the inflammation of the bronchial mucosa (the disease "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: to remove carbon dioxide from the blood and to absorb oxygen. They can regulate the exchange of salts and liquids, which, for example, moistens the inhaled air, they prevent the penetration of a large number of "bad" substances in the body, with which the environment is filled, they regulate body temperature and the blood coagulation system.

These functions are associated with the onset of pneumonia. After a serious enough harmful effect on the body - any inflammation, bone fracture, a previous operation, a burn, etc. - there is a possibility that there will be pneumonia. This is due to the fact that, due to the listed phenomena, various kinds of harmful substances are formed in the blood - thrombi, toxins, the remains of damaged tissues. Lungs also 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's worth taking care of it.

Lung inflammation: at risk

Inflammation of the lungs often occurs in people with hepatic insufficiency, bronchial asthma, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with immunodeficiency - those who have undergone organ transplantation, have an infection with HIV and infants. The risk group for aspiration pneumonia - a very serious disease - includes chronic alcoholics and drug addicts. Inflammation of the lungs often develops in patients with intubation, since artificial ventilation nullifies all the protective functions of the body that are above the larynx.

Characteristic symptoms of pneumonia

Inflammation of the lungs and its symptoms are associated with breathing: rapid coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, while a constant "companion" of these phenomena is fever, and subsequently may manifest weakness, sweating and headaches. Many people confuse pneumonia with ARVI (acute respiratory viral infection, after which the inflammatory process often develops and develops deeper) and do not hurry up with a visit to the doctor. A significant factor that helps determine if there is pneumonia: sputum produced by coughing, which is "purulent" and often consists of blood veins.

The doctor diagnoses pneumonia with the help of a blood test, listening to noises in the chest, and the most reliable way - X-ray lung examination. In the case of analysis, an increased amount of white blood cells can be detected in the blood - it indicates the presence of a bacterial infection in it, in the case of an X-ray, certain dimming will be visible in the photograph. The causative agent of the disease is determined by microscopic analysis of sputum and the taking of bacterial inoculation.

Sometimes it is difficult to determine the source that causes lung inflammation, and doctors do a biopsy: an operation, during which manually, an endoscope gathers the infected material directly from the lung.

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How is pneumonia treated?

Inflammation of the lungs is treated with antibiotics, and the earlier the patient starts the process, the easier and faster it will pass. Usually they are given to the patient even before the appearance of the results of bacterial examination. The most common bacterium that causes pneumonia is pneumococcus, so antibiotics are often prescribed against it.

The average period of improvement in the condition of a patient who has pneumonia is 4-5 days, and if the condition does not change after its expiration, the drug is replaced - in accordance with a laboratory study to identify the type of pathogen. Can carry out special chest massage and respiratory gymnastics. The patient is recommended to drink a lot of warm liquid to reduce the viscosity of phlegm.

How to treat pneumonia with alternative methods:

1. One tablespoon of oregano ordinary pour a glass of boiling water, insist twenty minutes, filter. One glass is divided into one day - four servings;
2. One tablespoon of lime tree pour a glass of boiling water, insist an hour, filter. Take one glass 2-3 times a day;
3. One liter of hot water should be poured onto a glass of ordinary Kalyna fruit, boil for ten minutes, filter, 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 should be vaccinated against different types of streptococcus. Children at risk are vaccinated in a specially designed way for them;
2. Vaccination against influenza can help prevent pneumonia, since pneumonia often develops after it;
3. Frequent and thorough hand washing effectively prevents pneumonia;
4. Healthy diet, regular exercise, rest contribute to strengthening the body's resistance and can prevent pneumonia;
5. Refusal / non-smoking.

Thus, we have learned information that will help us to identify the inflammation of the lungs and understand what to do about it.