DR. BRYAN CEPEDOZA
FOR AUGUST 27, 2023
A Question & Answer Session
on Pneumonia with
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
(Part 4)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Good afternoon, Dr. Bryan.
The topic we discussed last week dealt with pulmonary
edema. Is it true that we limit the water intake of those
who have pulmonary edema?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza (Dr. Bryan): This is dependent on
the cause of the edema. Like what I said, pulmonary
edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs. This
buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath. Based on
the patient’s condition and the cause of the pulmonary
edema, the doctor may also prescribe preload reducers.
These will help decrease pressure from the fluid going
into the heart and lungs. Diuretics may also help reduce
this pressure by making the patient urinate and the
urination will help eliminate fluid.
TBT: Here is another question, Dr. Bryan? How
dangerous is pneumonia?
Dr. Bryan: The danger of pneumonia will depend on a
lot of factors. We have to look at the age of the patient.
Is the patient over 60 years old? Is the patient an infant?
The mortality rate of patients with pneumonia will also
depend on patients belonging to extreme ages. But if the
patient is a teenager, pneumonia is not that dangerous.
Pero mag depende pud sa kagaw nga naa sa lawas.
Kung healthy lang ang pasyente ug wala siya’y
bisyu nga manigarilyo, daku ang kahigayonan nga
mo survive siya sa pneumonia. The danger of
pneumonia is also dependent on our immune system.
TBT: Where does pneumonia usually start, Dr. Bryan?
Dr. Bryan: The bacteria that will cause pneumonia are
already in our environment; they are in the air. We can
inhale these and if we inhale these, we could get
infected if these bacteria enter into our lungs. Aspiration
happens when something enters your airway or lungs by
accident. When the bacteria get into our lungs, these
bacteria will make our immune system “happy”. Ang
kagaw sa atong baga, mag multiply ug modaghan
ug magkadaghan labi na kung kita ma infected sa
maong mga kagaw. This way, our lungs will be
damaged
TBT: Another question is asked by a listener, Dr. Bryan.
Unsa kuno ang gidugayon sa sakit nga pneumonia?
How long does pneumonia last?
Dr. Bryan: Now, if we are infected with pneumonia,
first, our immune system will fight the bacteria. That’s
how we fight. Once the immune system neutralizes the
bacteria, pneumonia will last for one week. But if the
immune system can’t handle the situation, medication
have to be prescribed. Remember, it may take time to
recover from pneumonia. Some people feel better and
are able to return to their normal routines in 1 to 2
weeks. For others, it can take a month or longer. Most
people continue to feel tired for about a month. There
are those with mild pneumonia, who are able to return to
their everyday activities in a week, although being tired
and having cough can linger for an entire month,
TBT: How do I know, Dr. Bryan, if my pneumonia is
getting better?
Dr.Bryan: You will know that you are getting better
from pneumonia after medication, if, within seven days,
your temperature will return to normal. In one month or
six weeks, you may be producing less mucus, and your
breathing will be easier, which means that your chest
will feel better. Yes, your breathing will become easier
and your cough will be resolving. Within three months,
while you may still have the fatigue, most of the other
symptoms will be gone at this point. (To be continued)