2024-01-18 20:28:41
Seek medical attention early if you have severe cough and thick phlegm due to sequelae of pneumonia.
Recently, due to the attack of the new coronavirus and the flu, many people have a few coughs. If the condition is not properly treated, it is more likely to develop into pneumonia. In severe cases, it can lead to long-term lung damage, reduced lung function and other sequelae. Therefore, if you have cough symptoms, especially if you cough up thick, yellow-green or bloody sputum, you must seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Respiratory system specialist Dr. Tan Zijun said that pneumonia refers to the infection and inflammation of lung tissue, which can affect a single lobe or both lungs. “The most common cause is bacterial infection, such as pneumococcus, Legionella and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Secondly, it is viral infection. Others can also cause pneumonia due to fungal, parasitic infection, or inhalation of harmful substances.”
Tan Zijun said that children, the elderly and patients with chronic diseases are at greater risk of contracting pneumonia.
or chest pain accompanied by fever
Having an upper respiratory tract infection does not necessarily lead to pneumonia, but it can increase your risk. As for how patients can tell whether their lungs are infected, Tan Zijun said, “Upper respiratory tract infections are often accompanied by nasal congestion, sore throat and cough, and the cough may be dry or have a small amount of phlegm. Pneumonia coughs usually contain phlegm and are more common. It is sticky and may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, chest pain and difficulty breathing. Please note that cough alone may not be able to accurately distinguish, and if you have any suspicion, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.”
If fibrosis occurs in the lungs, it will reduce lung capacity and affect lung function.
Lung function or impairment
Pneumonia can cause a variety of complications, which are more likely to occur in the elderly, patients with chronic diseases or those with compromised immune function, such as pneumonitis, sepsis and respiratory failure, which can lead to serious consequences and even death. Tan Zijun continued, “Even if they can recover from pneumonia, some patients still have to face sequelae.”
‧Pulmonary fibrosis: Lung tissue becomes fibrotic due to infection and inflammation, that is, connective tissue hyperplasia, leading to impaired lung function.
‧Lung abscess and empyema: A mass of pus forms in the lung tissue. Empyema is a condition in which pus accumulates around the lung membrane.
‧Bronchiectasis: Bronchiectasis makes the respiratory tract susceptible to infection and inflammation.
Recoverable with appropriate treatment
Pneumonia treatment depends on the cause of the pneumonia. Doctors will also use tools such as the Pneumonia Severity Index and CURB-65 scoring system to assess the patient’s risk and formulate a personalized treatment plan. Tan Zijun explained, “Bacterial pneumonia is usually treated with antibiotics, while viral pneumonia is mainly treated with supportive symptoms. Adequate rest, adequate fluid intake, antipyretic drugs, and symptom-relieving drugs may be used to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, will require hospitalization. Most healthy people can recover with appropriate treatment, but recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s health. During treatment, it is very important to follow your doctor’s instructions and complete the entire course of treatment. important.”
good personal hygiene
To prevent pneumonia, you can get pneumococcal vaccine and influenza vaccine to reduce the risk of infection, especially the elderly, young children, long-term smokers or people with chronic diseases. In addition, although it is a cliché, maintaining good personal hygiene, washing hands frequently, avoiding contact with sick people, maintaining social distance, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can all help prevent infection. Maintaining a balanced diet, adequate sleep, moderate exercise and stress reduction can enhance personal immunity.
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