Bronchopneumonia is a type of lung infection that can be caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria. Although it is a type of pneumonia, in addition to affecting the alveoli of the lung, bronchopneumonia also affects the bronchi, which are the largest pathways through which air enters the lungs.
Due to the inflammation of the bronchi, air cannot easily enter the lungs and, therefore, it is very common to develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, pale skin, bluish lips and feeling very tired.
Generally, the treatment can be done at home and is started with the use of antibiotics, since bacteria are the main responsible for the infection, however, it may be necessary to change the treatment if it is not working. Thus, one should always consult a pulmonologist to make the most appropriate treatment and evaluate it over time.
Main symptoms
To identify whether it is a bronchopneumonia, one must be aware of the appearance of symptoms such as:
- Fever higher than 38 ºC;
- Difficulty breathing and feeling short of breath;
- Muscle tiredness and weakness;
- Chills;
- Cough with phlegm;
- Increased heart rate;
- Blue lips and fingertips.
Symptoms in baby and child
In baby and child, symptoms may be slightly different, and usually include:
- Fever;
- Noisy and rapid breathing;
- Catarrh;
- Tiredness and drowsiness;
- Easy irritability;
- Difficulty sleeping;
- Lack of appetite.
Bronchopneumonia in babies is very common, since their immune system is still underdeveloped, which facilitates the development of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause this type of infections. As soon as the first symptoms appear, it is important to consult the pediatrician immediately to prevent the disease from getting worse.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of bronchopneumonia can be made by a general practitioner, a pulmonologist or even a pediatrician, in the case of children. Generally, in order to arrive at the diagnosis, in addition to assessing the symptoms, the doctor also listens to breathing with the stethoscope and may order other tests such as chest X-rays, blood tests, computed tomography or bronchoscopy, for example.
How the treatment is done
The treatment of bronchopneumonia in most cases can be done at home, by taking antibiotic drugs such as ceftriaxone and azithromycin, which fight the main microorganisms responsible for causing the disease. In addition, the general practitioner or pulmonologist may also recommend the use of drugs to relieve and calm cough or a liquid diet to prevent dehydration.
Generally, the treatment lasts an average of 14 days and during that time it is recommended to take other precautions such as:
- Rest and avoid making efforts;
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature for correct recovery;
- Drink at least 2 liters of water;
- Make regular nebulizations with saline;
- Avoid smoking or going to places with smoke.
In addition, to prevent the transmission of the disease, you should also cover your mouth to cough, wash your hands regularly and avoid going to public and closed places.
In more severe cases, bronchopneumonia can lead to hospitalization, where it may be necessary to receive oxygen, make antibiotic injections and perform Respiratory Physiotherapy, which helps to release the airways.
When the first symptoms of bronchopneumonia appear, it is important to go to a general practitioner or pulmonologist to perform a chest X-ray and pulmonary auscultation, so that the disease can be diagnosed and treatment can be started.
Possible causes and how to avoid
Bronchopneumonia is caused by several types of fungi, viruses and bacteria that can be transported through the air or passed through objects and hands. Therefore, some ways to avoid getting the infection include:
- Get the flu vaccination;
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating or touching your face;
- Avoid smoking or frequent places with a lot of smoke;
These measures are especially important for children and the elderly, as well as people with weakened immune systems from diseases such as asthma, diabetes, lupus or HIV.
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