Near Tet, many severe pneumonia cases require ventilators and dialysis

Many cases of critical pneumonia

In the last days of the year, the Hospital for Tropical Diseases recorded many cases of severe pneumonia. According to the treating doctors, pneumonia cases were recorded in many different age groups, from the elderly, people with underlying diseases to immunocompromised patients and children.

A severe pneumonia case is being treated at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases. (Photo: TT)

Typically, Mr. PVT (62 years old, Hanoi) was hospitalized in a very serious condition, with severe difficulty breathing, purple lips, blurred consciousness, and an SPO2 index 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.

About a week ago, Mr. T. came into contact with a relative who had the flu and quickly developed symptoms of high fever, increasingly severe shortness of breath, accompanied by cough and thick phlegm. Upon admission to the hospital, he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, influenza A infection and Aspergillus infection (a serious consequence of prolonged corticosteroid abuse, severely weakening the immune system).

Upon admission, he was placed on a ventilator to maintain his breathing. Doctors also used broad-spectrum antibiotics to fight infection and antifungal drugs to kill the lung fungus. After a week of intensive treatment, his condition improved, but he remains closely monitored to prevent complications from recurring.

Similarly, Mr. NVT, 48 years old, Thanh Hoa was hospitalized in critical condition after 3 days of high fever, increasing difficulty breathing and low blood pressure. He had a history of long-term alcohol abuse, leading to cirrhosis that was diagnosed 3 years ago but was not treated regularly.

Initially, he was taken to a medical facility and diagnosed with right lobe pneumonia with septic shock. However, his condition did not improve and quickly worsened, so he was transferred to the Emergency Department - Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

Here, he was diagnosed with severe pneumonia, with major damage to his right lung. Tests showed that his blood clotting index (Prothrombin) was only 26%, very low compared to the normal level of 70-140%, putting him at risk of serious bleeding.

Mr. T was placed on a ventilator, had his blood filtered continuously to remove toxins, and was given strong antibiotics combined with circulatory support drugs. After 5 days of treatment, his condition gradually improved.

What to do to prevent pneumonia?

MSc. Dr. Tran Van Bac, Deputy Head of the Emergency Department, shared: "Pneumonia is not only a common disease but also especially dangerous in people with underlying diseases or immunodeficiency. If not treated promptly, the disease can lead to respiratory failure, sepsis and multiple organ damage."

To prevent and control pneumonia, Dr. Tran Van Bac recommends that people, especially children under 5 years old, adults over 65 years old, people with underlying diseases, and immunodeficiency, should get a flu shot every year and a pneumococcal vaccine once in their life to reduce the risk of disease and complications. People with underlying diseases need to adhere to regular treatment and avoid self-medication, especially corticosteroids, because they can weaken the immune system.

In addition, it is necessary to take measures to prevent infection such as keeping the body warm, wearing a mask in crowded places, washing hands regularly and limiting close contact with sick people. If there are signs such as high fever, prolonged cough or difficulty breathing, it is necessary to go to a medical facility immediately for timely examination and treatment.

"Disease prevention not only protects yourself but also reduces the burden on the health system," Dr. Bac emphasized.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/can-tet-nhieu-ca-viem-phoi-nang-phai-tho-may-loc-mau-192250115092423558.htm