Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs, usually caused by infections by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Although pneumonia itself is not contagious, the microorganisms that cause pneumonia can be transmitted from person to person, facilitating the onset of the disease in people with immunodeficiency.systems, such as the elderly, children or immunocompromised people, for example.
For example, it is important to adopt strategies that reduce your risk of pneumonia, such as washing your hands properly, getting vaccinated against the flu every year, and controlling allergic rhinitis attacks, for example.
- Prevention of pneumonia requires measures that help strengthen the immune system.
- Avoiding not only that.
- But also other diseases caused by microorganisms that can be easily transmitted from person to person.
- So the 7 best tips for preventing pneumonia are:.
É importante manter uma alimentação equilibrada e beber cerca de 2 litros de água por dia, para manter uma imunidade bem ativa e capaz de combater os agentes causadores, como vírus e bactérias, antes que a infecção atinja os pulmões. Além disso, é recomendado diminuir o consumo de bebidas alcoólicas, uma vez que o consumo de álcool pode interferir na imunidade e facilitar a aspiração de secreções e vômitos, favorecendo a ocorrência da pneumonia;
Smoking causes inflammation of airway tissues, facilitating the proliferation of microorganisms, as well as decreasing the lung’s ability to promote the expulsion of the microorganism;
Avoiding allergy-triggering situations, such as dust, animal hair, pollen, or mites, for example, reduces the likelihood of pneumonia, as inflammation caused by allergy can serve as a gateway for viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
Keeping air conditioning clean and in good condition prevents the spread of allergens.
Humidifying air with the humidifier or placing a pool of water in the rooms at night, especially in winter, when the air becomes drier and increases the amount of contamination, it is a good way to prevent particles from being suspended in the air and cause airway irritation;
Washing your hands frequently, with soap or cleaning them with an alcohol gel, provided you are in public places, such as shopping malls, buses or subways, prevents the transmission of microorganisms, which cause respiratory infections.
Closed and overcrowded areas should be avoided, especially during an epidemic of infection, as this facilitates the transmission of the disease.Find out what they are and how to avoid the most common winter diseases;
It is important to get vaccinated against the flu, as vaccines are prepared to protect against the most dangerous influenza viruses circulating in the environment throughout the year, being critical for risk groups, such as children up to age 5, the elderly and chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.
In addition, people with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart, respiratory or liver disease, for example, should always keep them well treated and controlled, with proper use of medications and medical follow-up, as the decompensation of these diseases compromises.immunity and facilitates infection of the lungs.
Babies and children up to the age of 2 are already predisposition to infection due to the development of the immune system, so it is important not to expose the child to contact with people with respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, as well as avoid very crowded common environments or with excessive contamination and cigarette smoke, especially during periods of infectious epidemics.
The diet should also be well balanced, preferably with exclusive breastfeeding until about 6 months, so that the child’s defenses are well developed, and start introducing new foods according to pediatrician guidelines.Check which diet is right and what is the ideal diet.routine for the baby.
Additionally, children should also be vaccinated annually against influenza, especially those with a history of repeated infections or who have lung problems such as bronchitis and asthma.
Most of the time, pneumonia is not severe, and can be treated at home depending on its cause, usually with antibiotics, and some care such as rest and hydration, guided by the doctor.See other guidelines for treating pneumonia.
However, in some cases, pneumonia can progress severely, causing signs such as shortness of breath, mental confusion and changes in the functioning of other organs, in these cases hospitalization, the use of drugs in the vein and even the use of oxygen to facilitate breathing is necessary.
Factors that determine the severity of pneumonia include
Therefore, in the presence of signs and symptoms indicative of pneumonia, it is important to undergo a medical evaluation for rapid diagnosis and initiation of treatment as soon as possible.