Increase in pneumonia cases in Istanbul: Hospitals are full
The rise in pneumonia cases in Istanbul in recent months has caused Yedikule Chest Diseases Hospital to become completely overwhelmed. Due to the rapid spread of pneumonia, particularly among the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, treatment periods at the hospital are reaching 10 days. Experts point out that a persistent cough could be a sign of pneumonia and emphasize the importance of ventilation.
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Pneumonia cases that began in November are steadily increasing. In recent months, a large number of people in Istanbul have been bedridden due to pneumonia. One of the most frequently visited hospitals in Istanbul is Yedikule Chest Diseases Hospital. Both the hospital's emergency department and its inpatient wards are constantly full. Pneumonia primarily targets the elderly who have chronic illnesses.
"A PATIENT IS DISCHARGED, ANOTHER IS ADMITTED FROM THE EMERGENCY ROOM"
According to a report on Habertürk TV, Chest Diseases Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Yelda Niksarlıoğlu stated, "In patients with pneumonia, a shorter-term cough begins. We see this more frequently in those over 65. This circulation is quite fast; there are no empty beds left. Patients who are referred or who have received outpatient treatment but have not recovered apply to our hospital.
The vast majority of patients who come to our emergency room are admitted. In my ward, a patient is discharged, and then, immediately after the room is cleaned, another patient is admitted from the emergency room. This season is particularly a period when our hospital is busy in terms of pneumonia. It can continue until March. There may be a need for intensive care. Oxygen deficiency may develop, or it may occur when there is severe pneumonia," she said.
The average treatment duration for patients here is 10 days. After a patient vacates a room, another patient is admitted on the same day.
IS A PERSISTENT COUGH A SIGN OF PNEUMONIA?
So, is the persistent cough that everyone has been complaining about lately a sign of pneumonia?
Discussing the symptoms of pneumonia, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elif Yelda Niksarlıoğlu stated, "We generally do not see pneumonia in a person who has been coughing for 1-1.5 months. In newly diagnosed pneumonia cases, there are usually complaints such as what we call acute, which is a cough that has been continuing for a few days, fever, and phlegm production, especially in the form of colored phlegm."
The expert also warned citizens, saying, "Ventilation of the environment is quite important. People with risk factors should pay attention to mask usage."