Warning from the professor on World Pneumonia Day: 'Do not consider it as a simple cold'

Making a statement on the occasion of "World Pneumonia Day", Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Medicine, Head of the Department of Chest Diseases, Prof. Dr. Oğuz Uzun made warnings by stating that pneumonia is not a simple infection that only affects the lungs. Prof. Dr. Oğuz Uzun said, "Today, despite the advancement of medicine, the development of powerful antibiotics and the widespread use of vaccines, pneumonia continues to be an important cause of disease and death. According to the World Health Organization data, approximately 2.7 million people in the world will die due to lower respiratory tract infections in 2023."

"ESPECIALLY THOSE OVER 65 ARE AT RISK"

Prof. stated that pneumonia can be seen at all ages, but it is more severe in some groups. Dr. Oğuz Uzun said, "Especially people over the age of 65, young children, people with chronic heart and lung disease, people with chronic diseases such as diabetes and kidney failure, and people with weakened immune systems are at greater risk. While the risk of death is below 1 percent in mild pneumonias that can be treated at home, it can reach 5-15 percent in hospitalized patients and 20-50 percent in severe patients requiring intensive care."

"PNEUMANESE CAN BE OBSERVED EVEN WITHOUT FEVER"

Noting that the most common symptoms of pneumonia are fever, chills, cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, chest pain and weakness, Uzun said, "Not every pneumonia patient needs to have fever or phlegm. Especially in older people, the disease can only manifest itself with weakness, loss of appetite, confusion or deterioration in general condition. Therefore, the symptoms need to be evaluated carefully."

"RISK INCREASES IN AUTUMN AND WINTER"

Prof. stated that pneumonia can occur at any time of the year, but its incidence increases in the cold months. Dr. Oğuz Uzun said, "In the autumn and winter months, people spend more time in closed and crowded environments and the spread of respiratory viruses such as flu and RSV increases the risk of disease. Viral infections can directly cause pneumonia and can also facilitate the development of bacterial pneumonia."

"EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND APPROPRIATE TREATMENT ARE IMPORTANT"

Explaining that pneumonia is diagnosed by the patient's complaints, examination findings and, when necessary, chest radiography, Uzun said that the treatment is determined according to the microorganism causing the disease and the severity of the disease. Stating that antibiotics are used in bacterial pneumonia, but antibiotics are not directly effective in viral pneumonia, Uzun noted that mild cases can be treated at home and severe cases can be treated in the hospital.

"VACCINES ARE IMPORTANT IN PREVENTING PNEUMANESE"

Pointing out the importance of vaccination in protecting against pneumonia, Prof. Dr. Oğuz Uzun said, "Pneumococcal and flu vaccines help prevent some pneumonia and severe infections when administered to suitable people. Quitting smoking, paying attention to hand hygiene and keeping chronic diseases under control are also important in protection. If there are symptoms such as significant shortness of breath, bruising on the lips, confusion or severe chest pain, medical help should be sought without delay. Prolonged cough, fever and especially shortness of breath should not be considered as a simple cold."