[콕!Health] "Elderly Person Coughing for Over a Week, Get Tested for Pneumonia"

12th 'World Pneumonia Day'

On the 12th, marking 'World Pneumonia Day,' advice has been issued emphasizing the need for active diagnosis and vaccination against pneumonia.

[콕!Health] "Elderly Person Coughing for Over a Week, Get Tested for Pneumonia"

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According to Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital, as winter temperatures and humidity drop, our body's immunity decreases while virus transmission becomes more active, making us vulnerable to viral diseases. Especially this year, with the influenza epidemic warning continuing throughout the year and respiratory infectious viruses including COVID-19 spreading simultaneously, greater caution is required regarding pneumonia caused by complications.

According to Statistics Korea, the number of deaths due to pneumonia last year was 26,710, a 37% increase over five years compared to 19,378 in 2017. Notably, the trend in patient numbers shows that although deaths seemed to have slowed during the COVID-19 period, they are currently on the rise.

Pneumonia is an inflammatory respiratory disease affecting the bronchi and lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, mycoplasma, fungi, and others. Streptococcus pneumoniae, the main cause of bacterial pneumonia, is a common bacterium around us that invades the body and causes pneumonia when immunity is weakened. Especially for the elderly aged 65 and over with weakened immunity, pneumonia can cause other complications such as sepsis or lung abscess, making treatment essential.

In the early stages, pneumonia symptoms such as fever, chills, cough, and sputum are very similar to those of a cold, often causing the initial treatment period to be missed. If high fever lasting more than a week, severe chest pain like tearing, and yellow sputum appear, medical attention is necessary. Professor Choi Cheon-woong of the Department of Respiratory Allergy at Gangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital emphasized, "If high fever, cough, and yellow sputum persist for more than a week, pneumonia should be suspected. In elderly patients, pneumonia can occur without these symptoms, so if there is unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite, or frequent drowsiness, pneumonia should be considered."

Especially, 94% of pneumonia deaths occur in those aged 65 and older. In elderly patients, decreased lung function due to aging is one of the causes of pneumonia, and if pneumonia occurs, complications (sepsis, respiratory distress, lung abscess, etc.) as well as death can result, making treatment essential. Since the pandemic, the number of pneumonia deaths has been on the rise.

Pneumonia is generally diagnosed through chest X-rays. To understand the shape, extent of inflammation, and complications in detail, chest CT (computed tomography) is performed, and sputum culture tests as well as serological tests from blood and urine are conducted to identify the causative pathogen.

For patients suspected of pneumonia, empirical antibiotic therapy is started first. In addition to antibiotics, hydration, sufficient calories, and nutritional supplementation are necessary. If the fever exceeds 40℃, antipyretics are also used. Healthy adults can see symptom improvement within 1 to 2 weeks with antibiotics and adequate rest. However, children with low immunity, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may have difficulty recovering and face life-threatening risks.

The best way to prevent pneumonia is vaccination. However, the pneumococcal vaccination rate among adults aged 65 and older is only 23%. Vaccination against pneumococcus can provide 65-84% preventive effect for those with chronic diseases, and studies show a 40% reduction in mortality or ICU admission rates compared to unvaccinated individuals. Professor Choi explained, "The pneumococcal vaccine shows effectiveness with just one dose, and it is advisable to consult your primary care physician before vaccination."

Professor Choi emphasized, "It is important to pay attention to personal hygiene, such as wearing masks when going out, and to manage immunity by maintaining regular meals and sleep. Although pneumonia cannot be 100% prevented by vaccines, they help prevent progression to severe illness, so it is crucial for those aged 65 and older or with chronic diseases to receive the pneumococcal vaccine."

He added, "Recent statistics show that the prevalence of pneumonia increases from age 50, so it is recommended to get the pneumococcal vaccine once you turn 50."