Many people with severe pneumonia require mechanical ventilation; experts warn about prevention methods.

According to doctors, pneumonia is not only a common disease but also particularly dangerous for people with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems. If left untreated, it can lead to many dangerous complications.

On January 15th, the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases reported that it is currently treating nearly 20 pneumonia patients, including some severe cases requiring mechanical ventilation and continuous dialysis.

Cases of pneumonia have been recorded in various age groups, including the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised patients, and children.

A typical case is that of a 62-year-old male patient from Hanoi . The patient was admitted to the hospital in a very serious condition: severe shortness of breath, cyanotic lips, impaired consciousness, and an SPO2 level of only 47% – much lower than the normal level of over 92%.

Previously, he had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for more than 10 years, regularly using corticosteroid-containing inhalers at home without following regular treatment.

Many patients with severe pneumonia require mechanical ventilation and dialysis. Photo: Provided by the hospital.

About a week before hospitalization, the patient had contact with a relative who had the flu, after which symptoms appeared including high fever, progressively worsening shortness of breath, accompanied by a cough and thick phlegm.

Upon admission, the patient was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, influenza A infection, and Aspergillus fungal superinfection (a serious consequence of prolonged corticosteroid abuse, severely weakening the immune system).

At the hospital, the patient was placed on a ventilator to maintain breathing. Doctors also used broad-spectrum antibiotics to fight the infection and antifungal medication to eradicate the fungal infection in the lungs.

After a week of intensive treatment, the patient's condition improved. However, the patient is still being closely monitored to prevent recurrence of complications.

Another case of hospitalization due to severe pneumonia was Mr. NVT (48 years old, from Thanh Hoa ). The patient arrived at the hospital in critical condition after 3 days of high fever, progressively worsening shortness of breath, and low blood pressure.

Reportedly, the patient has a history of prolonged alcohol abuse, leading to cirrhosis, which was diagnosed 3 years ago but did not receive regular treatment.

At the hospital, the patient was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, with significant damage to the right lung. Tests showed that the prothrombin ratio was only 26% – very low compared to the normal range of 70-140%, putting the patient at risk of serious bleeding.

The patient was placed on a ventilator, underwent continuous hemodialysis to remove toxins, and received strong antibiotics combined with circulatory support medication. After 5 days of treatment, the patient's condition gradually improved.

According to Dr. Tran Van Bac, Deputy Head of the Emergency Department at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, pneumonia is not only a common disease but also particularly dangerous for people with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems. If left untreated, it can lead to respiratory failure, sepsis, and multi-organ damage.

Therefore, to prevent and control pneumonia, experts recommend that people, especially children under 5 years old, adults over 65 years old, and those with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems, should get an annual flu shot and a pneumococcal vaccine once in their lifetime to reduce the risk of illness and complications.

People with underlying health conditions need to adhere to their regular treatment and avoid self-medication, especially with corticosteroids, as this can weaken the immune system.

In addition, it is necessary to implement infection prevention measures such as keeping the body warm, wearing masks in crowded places, washing hands frequently, and limiting close contact with sick people.

If you experience symptoms such as high fever, persistent cough, or difficulty breathing, you should immediately go to a medical facility for examination and timely treatment to avoid potential complications.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/thoi-tiet-thay-doi-nhieu-nguoi-mac-viem-phoi-nang-phai-tho-may-chuyen-gia-canh-bao-cach-phong-ngua-172250115110041899.htm