Is bilateral bacterial bronchopneumonia serious? Understand Bolsonaro’s framework
Former president Jair Messias Bolsonaro (PL) was diagnosed this Friday morning, the 13th, with bilateral bacterial bronchopneumonia, after being hospitalized with records of high fever, drop in oxygen saturation, sweating and chills.
According to a medical bulletin released by DF Star Hospital, where he is being treated, Bolsonaro remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), undergoing treatment with intravenous antibiotic therapy and non-invasive clinical support.
What is bilateral bacterial bronchopneumonia?
According to Fernanda Bacceli, pulmonologist at Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, the condition is a type of pneumonia of bacterial origin that affects multiple parts of the lung, such as smaller airways (bronchioles and alveoli are examples).
Doctor Paulo Abrão, president of the São Paulo Society of Infectious Diseases (SPI), details that, when the condition is bilateral, as in Bolsonaro’s case, it means that both lungs are compromised.
Bolsonaro’s hospitalization may have been caused by eating before bed
Former president had chills, shortness of breath, cough and feeling extremely tired before going to the hospital
Bolsonaro is admitted to the ICU with suspected bronchopneumonia
Former president is in DF Star hospital and started treatment with antibiotics
“(This) can hinder gas exchange and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, it is considered a potentially serious condition, especially in the elderly, people with chronic illnesses or with reduced immunity”, he explains.
Group of risk
As mentioned, the elderly deserve extra attention. According to Abrão, this happens because the immune system is less efficient and the presence of other associated diseases is common.
Young children and people with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart or lung problems, are also at risk. Cancer patients, people using immunosuppressant medications and those who have recently been hospitalized are also more likely to develop the disease.
What is the cause?
In this case, pneumonia is linked to bacterial infections. According to Abrão, the microorganisms involved are generally Streptococcus pneumoniae (main cause of pneumonia), Haemophilus influenzae and Staphylococcus aureus.
Gram-negative bacteria (more resistant to some antibiotics), such as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, may also be involved. “In elderly people and hospitalized patients, the infection may be associated with more resistant agents, which requires greater attention in treatment”, details Abrão.
Prevention occurs mainly through vaccination. “The ideal, especially when we think about older patients, is to focus on immunization”, highlights Fernanda.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fever, cough with secretion, shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing, intense tiredness and general malaise.
In the elderly, there may only be mental confusion, drowsiness, a drop in general condition or worsening of existing illnesses, which, according to the president of SPI, often delays diagnosis if there is no early medical evaluation.
Treatment
Abrão explains that the treatment is done with antibiotics. The choice of medication depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, the patient’s age, the presence of associated diseases and the place where the infection was acquired.
“In mild cases, treatment can be done at home, with oral antibiotics. But bilateral conditions, with shortness of breath or in higher risk patients, often require hospitalization for the use of intravenous antibiotics, oxygen and monitoring”, he points out.
“In addition to antibiotics, treatment includes hydration, fever control, respiratory support when necessary and close clinical monitoring, as evolution can be rapid in more vulnerable patients”, he adds.
