data-pneumonia | World Pneumonia Day: 4 Facts You Should Know | LIFE

The pneumonia It is a type of respiratory infection that affects the lungs. It can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.6 million people die each year from this disease. Dr. Javier Jáuregui, a pulmonologist at the Ricardo Palma Clinic, provides 4 important facts about this condition.

• People who had a severe form of COVID-19, were admitted to the intensive care unit, were left with sequelae in their lungs, and required mechanical ventilation are at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia. Here lies the importance of acquiring a healthy lifestyle and avoiding risk situations such as staying in poorly ventilated or overcrowded environments or coming into contact with people with severe flu and/or cold symptoms.
• The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for people over the age of 70 or suffering from comorbidities such as diabetes, cirrhosis, kidney failure, neoplastic diseases, as well as smokers. Children should also be immunised. According to UNICEF reports, it is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life reduces the risk of pneumonia and the time to infection.

AIM: Pneumonia: four potential risks of underestimating this disease in times of pandemic

• It can be prevented with simple healthy habits: washing hands with soap, cleaning and disinfecting frequently used surfaces, covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, managing persistent conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease and wearing masks indoors or poorly ventilated.
• Cough, yellow sputum, shortness of breath, chest pain, rapid breathing, wheezing, retraction of the lower chest when inhaling, general decay are the main symptoms of this infection. In these cases it is advisable to go to the nearest health center to receive medical treatment quickly and promptly and to perform a chest x-ray to evaluate the involvement of the lungs.

Pneumonia can be prevented with a balanced diet, control of environmental factors and above all with vaccination. Protect yourself and avoid putting your health at risk.

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