“Lung infection” was the cause of the death of former famous actress Linda Khathancharoen. What did it look like?

Can it be prevented?

Cause of pneumonia

pneumonia

Also known as pneumonia.

is lower respiratory tract infection

This can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi.

The causes of the disease are different.

in each age group and environment

The body will be infected through the respiratory system.

In the elderly with low immunity, there is a very high risk of complications from lung infections, such as bloodstream infections.

Or respiratory failure, etc., which causes the death of the elderly with this disease up to 50 percent.

The elderly are an important risk group who, if they become ill with pneumonia, can become severe enough to die.

Symptoms of pneumonia

pneumonia

It is caused by inflammation of the lung tissue, which consists of the alveoli and surrounding tissue.

makes the lungs work less

therefore have the following symptoms:

  • high fever

  • tired

  • cough

  • There is sputum with nausea.

  • vomit

  • Difficulty breathing

  • chest pain

However, high-risk patients such as the elderly, people with low immunity, young children may die from lung infections.

But if detected in the early stages, it can be cured as well.

The symptoms and severity of the disease vary from person to person.

And sometimes pneumonia may be found as a complication of other diseases.

who were previously ill

Factors that cause pneumonia

For normal people who have a strong body will have immunity.

and have mechanisms to protect themselves from various pathogens

Which factors that cause the body to cause lung infection include:

  • severe infectious disease

    It can be caused by many types of germs such as viruses, bacteria, tuberculosis, fungi and parasites, with bacteria and viruses being the most common.

  • Immunodeficiency

    Our body's immune system is impaired, making it easy for bacteria to pass into the lungs.

    In addition, a group of patients with lung disease, asthma, emphysema, or people who have had an abscess or a cavity in the lungs before, can cause changes in lung function, causing infection easily.

  • taking medications that affect the immune system

    Taking drugs that affect the body's immune system, such as a group of patients who take immunosuppressive drugs

    or a group of patients who have received chemotherapy

  • have regular contact with the infection

    regular exposure to high levels of infection

    Although it is not a serious infection and has good body protection

    but if exposed to large amounts of infection

    or on a regular basis

    or people who are carriers of the infection

    It can cause a lung infection.

    • pneumonia

    can it be treated

    As for the method of treating pneumonia, it depends on the type of pathogen.

    If it is a viral infection, most of the time there is no specific treatment, treatment is symptomatic.

    It is a supportive treatment until the pathology of the lungs is improved, except for the influenza virus.

    Which has antiviral drugs in oral form for 5 days. As for bacterial infections in the lungs, it is important to use disinfectants that match the infection.

    Especially the lungs are infected by bloodstream infections.

    If the disinfectant is received promptly

    It will have a very high survival rate.

    Therefore, should observe the abnormal symptoms well.

    If there are abnormal symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately.

    to reduce the risk of potential hazards

    How to prevent pneumonia

  • Preventive vaccinations,

    such as the influenza vaccine

    pneumococcus vaccine

    Can help reduce the risk of lung infections.

    As for vaccination to prevent pneumonia from bacteria.

    Patients must receive a vaccine that protects against a type of bacteria called

    Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria that most commonly cause lung disease.

    For the group at risk of developing pneumonia, ie the elderly aged 65 years and over are more at risk than other groups.

    Therefore, special care must be taken.

  • Take care of your health and get enough rest.

    along with eating useful food

    exercise regularly

    It is the basis for us to have good health.

    have good body immunity

    This will reduce the chances of lung infection.

  • avoid crowded people

    if inevitable

    Should wear a protective mask

    especially in people who are sick

    or have unhealthy physical health

    have low immunity

    To prevent disease that may be infected without knowing

  • Wash your hands and keep them clean.

    always clean with soap or alcohol gel

    to get rid of foreign objects that are contaminated with our hands

    which may lead to touching or touching different parts of the body and causing the infection to enter the lungs

    enter the body

    • If symptoms similar to pneumonia are found, you should see a doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

    Pneumonia is more severe and dangerous than most people imagine.

    Particularly at risk are the elderly, those with low immunity, and young children who, when they have pneumonia, may have more serious consequences than the general population.

    Therefore, you should observe the symptoms of yourself and those around you whether it is a lung infection or not.

    To hurry to treat before complications can occur and cause death.

    Reference: Siriraj Hospital

    Mahidol University, Med Park Hospital