Hospital pneumonia, by definition, is one that is acquired between 48 hours after hospital admission and 72 hours after discharge, but which was not incubating at the time of entry.
Generally, the causes of nosocomial pneumonia are viruses, fungi, bacteria or protozoa that settle in the lungs, decreasing the amount of oxygen and producing respiratory infection.
Hospital pneumonia is curable and its treatment should be started as soon as possible, because, according to Anvisa, hospital pneumonia is the main infection acquired at hospital level.
Symptoms of hospital pneumonia
Symptoms of hospital-acquired pneumonia are similar to those of community-acquired pneumonia and include:
- Muscle pain; Fever above 39ยบ; Chills and sweating; Dry cough that evolves to cough with phlegm; Easy tiredness and drowsiness; Sore throat.
When the individual presents these symptoms, he / she should see a pulmonologist to assess the clinical condition and perform complementary exams, such as chest x-ray, computed tomography or sputum and blood test to start the appropriate treatment.
Symptoms of hospital pneumonia in the elderly
Hospital pneumonia in the elderly generally does not have the same symptoms as in a younger adult, the most common of which are:
- Failing to do what he did; Worsening of previous illnesses; Losing appetite; Feeling tired and unwilling to do something; Being very confused.
The elderly are individuals who have higher risk factors for developing hospital pneumonia, due to the greater number of diseases, the fragile immune system and the large number of hospitalizations.
Treatment for hospital pneumonia
Treatment can be done with antibiotic drugs for 2 to 3 weeks, such as ceftriaxone, levofloxacin and gentamicin, which will reduce the inflammation caused by hospital pneumonia.
There are signs of improvement around the 7th day and, depending on the severity of the infection, the patient may remain hospitalized during treatment or, in some cases, be discharged. In the latter case, people with the disease can use oral antibiotics at home.
In some cases, physical therapy may also be indicated, with breathing exercises it can complement the treatment with medicines, helping in the removal of infected secretions and preventing new bacteria from reaching the lung, being also used in patients who have been hospitalized for a long time, as a way of prevention of hospital pneumonia.
Hospital pneumonia can be contagious and, therefore, it is important for the patient to avoid public spaces such as work, parks or school, until he is cured. However, if it is necessary to go to these places, the individual must wear a protective mask, which can be purchased at any pharmacy, or place the hand, or handkerchief, in front of the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing.
