Pneumonia is highly dangerous infectious disease.
As modern society becomes increasingly complex, with frequent overseas travel, an aging population, and the use of immunosuppressants for cancer treatment and organ transplants, pneumonia has become one of the most important infectious diseases.
The best friend of the elderly
William Osler, often referred to as the “father of modern medicine,” famously described pneumonia as “the best friend of the elderly,” highlighting its prevalence among older adults.
According to data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, 71.4% of all pneumonia patients in 2023 were aged 60 or older.
The third leading cause of death in South Korea
Despite its prevalence among the elderly, pneumonia is often mistaken for the common cold due to similar symptoms, leading some patients to underestimate its severity. An inflammatory condition of the lung is the third leading cause of death in South Korea, following cancer and heart disease, and globally, it is the most deadly infectious disease in terms of mortality rate.
This is because when blood passing through the lungs becomes contaminated by pneumonia bacteria, it can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and multiple organ failure, often resulting in death.
Recent cases include the death of Nagashima Shigeo, the legendary former manager of the YOMIURI GIANTS(one of the Japanese baseball teams) as well as the Pope and several famous entertainers, who passed away from pneumonia complications following the flu.
More cases of pneumonia in June and July
Starting in June, when the intense heat begins, overseas travel increases, and outdoor group activities such as vacations become more common, leading to a potential decline in vigilance against pneumonia.
According to data from 2023, the number of pneumonia cases was 115,777 in January (the coldest month of the year), February (105,568) in the middle of winter in 2023, with more cases occurring in June (156,500) and July (162, 849).
Air conditioning sickness
Due to the effects of climate change, such as environmental pollution, pneumonia is a disease that must be watched out for at all times, regardless of the season. The cause of pneumonia in midsummer is that the use of air conditioners increases due to hot weather, which can lead to pneumonia caused by air conditioning sickness.
One of the main causes of air conditioning sickness is Legionella bacteria, which lives in water, such as the cooling water of air conditioners. Infection occurs when bacteria carried by contaminated air from air conditioners is is inhaled into the respiratory tract.
Additionally, the recent resurgence of the COVID-19 virus, influenza A and B, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infections can lead to secondary complications in vulnerable populations, making vigilance essential.
It also occurs alongside other febrile diseases prevalent in Korea, such as Tsutsugamushi disease, epidemic hemorrhagic fever, and severe thrombocytopenic fever syndrome, so it is essential to receive proper diagnosis and treatment if you experience a fever.
Prevention is the best medicine.
Since pneumonia can be fatal, prevention is of utmost importance. To prevent pneumonia during the summer, it has been recommended to practice good personal hygiene, such as washing hands, and to regularly clean areas where bacteria can breed, such as air conditioner filters.
In addition, individuals aged 65 and older should receive pneumococcal and influenza vaccines without delay.
Even with such preventive measures, if symptoms such as headache, fever, chills, dry cough, phlegm, or muscle pain persist, pneumonia must be suspected, and prompt medical attention should be sought for appropriate testing and treatment.
At this stage, hospitalization and early administration of intravenous fluids and empirical antibiotic therapy are essential to prevent the condition from progressing to severe pneumonia or developing complications.
Particularly for patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, or dementia, consistent attention and management of pneumonia are essential for a healthy and happy elderly life in the era of longevity.
You can also enjoy the article in Korean as below.
https://blog.naver.com/nasaret-best/223917714950
General Hospital in Incheon, Nasaret International Hospital
Nasaret International Hospital, located in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, is a general hospital with the following features and history.
History
It started as the Jeonju Lee Kang-il Oriental Medical Clinic in 1974 and opened as Nasaret International Hospital in May 2009. In 2017, it was designated a regional emergency medical center.
Medical Services
We offer a wide range of medical services and provide high-quality care by using advanced equipment and technology. Additionally, we operate an International Medical Center for foreign patients, making our services easily accessible to patients in Korea and abroad.
Contribution to the Community
We improve the health and quality of life of local residents by providing medical support activities and volunteer services that meet the community’s needs.
Facilities and Equipment
Our hospital is equipped with the latest medical technology and facilities. We design our environment with patient safety and convenience as our top priorities.
Additionally, Nasaret International Hospital continuously improves the quality of its medical services through research and education and expands its global medical network by cooperating with domestic and international medical institutions. Visiting the hospital for a consultation is also an option.
