Southeast Region Leads in Pneumonia Hospitalizations in the Country

November 12 – World Pneumonia Day A study published in the Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences showed an analysis of pneumonia in the elderly in Brazil. The results indicated that the Southeast Region leads in hospitalizations for pneumonia in the elderly (57.74%) and also in hospital expenses (R$ 74,085,867.55). The most affected age group is 80 years or older, accounting for 44.50% of hospitalizations. Female and emergency admissions predominate, reflecting the severity of cases and the need for immediate medical interventions across the country. According to pulmonologist Jessica Polese, it is necessary to follow prevention strategies to reduce the impact of the infection on this vulnerable population. "Vaccination is an effective measure for preventing the disease, strengthening the immune system against respiratory infections in these individuals, including not only the pneumonia vaccine but also the flu vaccine," emphasizes the doctor. "Elderly individuals over 65 years old, people with chronic diseases such as asthma and diabetes, smokers and alcoholics are among the main risk groups, in addition to immunosuppressed individuals and children. Pollution and environmental factors can also worsen the condition of vulnerable people, increasing cases of pneumonia," the doctor adds.   Pneumonia - Pneumonia can be viral or bacterial and usually occurs when the patient's immune system is weakened. - Viral infection is common in environments with circulating viruses and can progress to a bacterial infection. - Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is often caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which settles in the lungs in cases of low immunity," she explains. Symptoms - Fever, shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, and yellowish secretions.