Inflammation of the lungs develops in a weakened body, it is considered a common disease, especially against the background of influenza epidemics. Pathology can lead to serious complications, including death. A special type is sluggish pneumonia. It lasts for a long time, drains the immune system. Complete information about the disease will allow you to pay attention to the symptoms in time and take action.
Clinical manifestations
Sluggish pneumonia does not show specific symptoms. Its symptoms are imperceptible, similar to colds. Only a specialist in examination data can correctly determine the diagnosis. Often, pathology develops as a complication after a cold. During the recovery period, the temperature suddenly rises sharply, a severe cough appears.
The symptoms of this type of pneumonia differ between adults and children. In babies, fever, deterioration of health, cough are observed in the evening. There is also weakness, pain when swallowing, shortness of breath in a calm state. This type of pneumonia in children can provoke complications that are difficult to treat. The duration of therapy for pneumonia is 2 weeks.
The child’s behavior is marked by a lack of appetite, frequent whims, tearfulness. With the development of pathology, the body will weaken, the baby will be lethargic, passive, and will sleep more.
Symptoms in adults are characterized by an acute onset. The temperature rises to 39 ° C or more, other symptoms are noted:
- dry cough;
- increased heart rate;
- rapid breathing;
- excessive sweating;
- constant fatigue.
Voice changes may occur. It depends on the localization of the inflammation focus. If it touches the upper part of the lung, there will be hoarseness. The timbre will change when the middle part of the organ is affected.
The reasons
There are several reasons for the appearance of a protracted form of pneumonia. The main thing will be the accession of a secondary infection.
Common reasons include:
- heart failure;
- oncological diseases;
- obstruction of the lungs;
- endocrinological pathologies (diabetes mellitus);
Diabetes
- immunodeficiency;
- prematurity of children;
- weakening of the body by long-term chronic pathologies;
- self-medication for colds;
- violation of the patency of the bronchi;
- resistance of the pathogen to antibiotics.
At risk are the elderly with weak immunity, persons who inhale toxic substances for a long time. Atrophy of the mucous layer of the upper respiratory tract occurs. As a result, pathological microorganisms easily make their way into the bronchi, causing inflammation. There is also an increased risk of developing sluggish pneumonia in bedridden patients. With a lack of physical activity, the volume of the lungs decreases, congestion develops. Excretion of sputum begins, wheezing, severe shortness of breath appear. In adults with antisocial behavior (drug addicts, alcoholics), pneumonia occurs several times more often.
Diagnostics
A competent doctor is able to determine sluggish pneumonia by listening to the lungs. Sounds from friction of the pleura and wheezing of different tones will be heard. In these patients, breathing is usually rough. To confirm the diagnosis, the patient is sent for X-ray or MRI. These examination methods make it possible to identify even small foci of pathology.
It is imperative to donate blood and urine for tests. They help to analyze the state of the body, to assess the degree of inflammation. In severe cases, do a bronchoscopy of the pleural cavity, ultrasound.
It is important when diagnosing to exclude cancer, tuberculosis, fungal pathologies, which are similar in manifestations to pneumonia.
Treatment
When carrying out therapy, it is necessary to pay great attention to increasing the immune defense, restoring the patency of the bronchi. The difference between chronic pneumonia and sluggish in a favorable outcome. With proper treatment, it ends with recovery. But if pneumonia has a tendency to recur, it is difficult, then there is a risk of its transition to a chronic stage.
Therapy for pneumonia is complex. The following medications are prescribed:
- mucolytics for thinning sputum – Lazolvan , ACC, Mukaltin;
- bronchodilators – Berodual , Ephedrine, Eufillin;
- antibiotics – Cefpir , Moxifloxacin ;
- antihistamines to relieve edema from the bronchi – Tavegil, Suprastin;
- immunostimulants – Anaferon , Cycloferon.
It is useful to use physiotherapy in addition to the main therapy with a sluggish nature of inflammation. They are prescribed by a doctor depending on the patient’s well-being and the severity of the disease.
In case of lung pathology, it is recommended:
- UHF on the chest;
- breathing exercises;
- paraffin therapy;
- electrophoresis with ascorbic acid, calcium, copper;
- magnetotherapy ;
- acupuncture;
- physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy is carried out under the supervision of a specialist, when the patient’s temperature is normalized, the state of health improves.
Inhalation is a popular way to help cure indolent pneumonia. They thin the mucus in the lungs, make it easier to cough up mucus when coughing. The doctor should select medicines for the procedure, especially carefully for people with heart disease and chronic lung pathologies. With the help of a special device – a nebulizer – inhalations are carried out better. The medicine is delivered slowly and purposefully.
For the procedures, agents that dilate the bronchi are used ( Berodual , Berotek ). Medicines are also used to thin sputum ( Lazolvan ,). Antibiotics ( Dioxidin ) effectively relieve inflammation .
To obtain a positive effect, inhalations are best carried out alternately with several drugs. First, with bronchodilators (previously diluted in saline ). After 15 minutes, inhale with a thinning drug. Relax for 15 minutes, while doing a drainage massage. Then inhale with an antibiotic.
What is unacceptable during treatment
Treatment of indolent pneumonia cannot be carried out independently. It can drag on, greatly weaken the body and lead to serious complications. This disease must be treated with antibiotics (if bacteria are the cause). Mustard plasters, warming up in a bath and a sauna will not help, and in case of heart disease, they can lead to a worsening of the condition. If you carry pneumonia on your feet, it means that new diseases should be expected in the future .
Preventive measures
To prevent the development of pneumonia into sluggish pneumonia, the following rules must be followed:
- vaccinate;
- during epidemics, do not visit crowded places;
- it is imperative to treat rhinitis in children, it provokes the entry of bacteria into the lungs;
- harden;
- timely treat colds until complete recovery;
- take vitamins;
- give up alcohol and smoking;
- observe bed rest at high temperatures.
Often sluggish pneumonia is the result of improperly organized treatment or lack of it. Timely access to a doctor, the implementation of his recommendations allows you to avoid many problems.