What you should know about Pneumonia - LifeCare Diagnostic Medical Centre

Mr. Edison Lu Seng Chuin, Dietitian

12 August, 2022

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an inflammatory condition of the lungs that often leads to:

high-grade fever
chest pain
dry cough or with sputum, and dyspnea (shortness of breath).

Did you know that pneumonia is the second principal cause of death (11.4%) among major ethnic groups (Bumiputera, Chinese, and Indians) in Malaysia? (Department of Statistics Malaysia, 2019).

This airborne disease can be caused by microorganisms such as parasites, fungi, bacteria, and viruses. It usually happens to hospitalized patients, those with weak immunity, or those on a ventilator (like COVID-19 patients). Patients with pneumonia, especially older adults, are at higher risk of becoming malnourished (e.g., protein-calorie malnutrition), showing signs of health decline, and having poorer respiratory muscle contractility and endurance.

The standard treatment for pneumonia is the antibiotics administration. Amoxicillin dispersible tablets are the choice of antibiotic recommended (WHO, 2019). However, for those with severe syndromes like aspiration pneumonia, hospitalization and comprehensive pulmonary (lung) rehabilitation therapy will be necessary. Patients who are found to have aspirated should avoid taking any fluids or food with immediate tracheal suction. Yet, this maneuver may not protect the lungs from chemical injury, which often happens immediately. If a patient has been diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia, they should be treated with antibiotic therapy that includes coverage for anaerobic pathogens. In other words, this treatment will have a stronger effect and be able to fight against more relevant microorganisms.

In terms of nutritional interventions for pneumonia, the goal is to reduce the risk of malnutrition (due to increased nutritional requirements and loss of appetite) and improve lung function. Whether it is during hospitalization or after discharge, it is important for the patients to have adequate nutrients intake. Although eating well will not cure the disease, it can directly help with respiratory muscle function, immune system, and allows better protection against the pathogens in the lungs, thereby reducing the lung inflammation and preventing disease progression. Following the tips below can help one feel better:

1. Emphasize on consuming more anti-inflammatory foods

For examples, tomatoes, olive oil, dark green leafy vegetables (e.g. choy sum, spinach, bok choy, kale), nuts, fatty fish rich in omega 3-fatty acids (salmon, tuna, sardines), and citrus fruits (berries, oranges). Have you heard of the “Mediterranean Diet”?

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2. Meeting daily energy requirements (carbohydrate, protein, and fat)

The difficulty breathing in patients with pneumonia will increase the amount of energy it expends, thus accelerating the metabolism rates. In general, try not to skip meals and consume enough food throughout the day. Also, the majority of your calorie intake should come from complex carbohydrates like whole grains, oatmeal, quinoa, and beans

3. Having enough protein intake

You will need it for regenerating lost or damaged cells in the lung. At least 1.0 gram protein/kg/day. Good sources of protein include lean meats, poultry, seafoods, dairy products, tofu, nuts, and legumes

4. Drinking plenty of fluids

(In general, adults need 35ml/kg; children need 70-100ml/kg). This can help to loosen the mucus from the lungs and get rid of the foreign particles

5. Stop smoking or vaping

It will only worsen your pneumonia

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A study (Yang, 2019) shows that a treatment plan involving personalized dietitian support and family care can significantly improve the nutritional status of the patients with pneumonia and reduce their readmission rate. Therefore, if you or someone that you know have been infected with pneumonia, please do seek advice and treatment from health-care professionals.

Protect yourself from Viral and Bacterial Lung Infection by getting vaccinated today!

Lung Infection Vaccine

𝐏𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐱 𝟐𝟑
‣ It helps to protect against the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria.
‣ Age 2-64 years old with medical conditions such as lung, heart, liver, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic infection, and those who consume alcohol regularly.
‣ Adults 19-64 years old who smoke cigarettes.

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Pneumonia

Protect yourself from Viral and Bacterial Lung Infection by getting vaccinated today!

Lung Infection Vaccine

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