The old man had severe pneumonia after three months of being bedridden

The results of Mr. Thanh’s lung computed tomography scan at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi showed that both sides were dilated, thickened bronchial walls and fluid stagnation, and scattered fibrous bands (lung tissue damaged over time leaving scars). This is a sign of pneumonia. Test results showed that he had an electrolyte disorder, his blood sodium dropped to 125 mmol/L, normal level is 135-145 mmol/L.

MSc Dao Phuong Thuy, Department of Respiratory Medicine, believes that electrolyte disorders are related to exhaustion due to poor diet. The reason pneumonia gets worse is because the patient lies motionless for a long time. When unable to exercise, the ability to drain phlegm is greatly reduced, and secretions stagnate at the base of the lungs, creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Mr. Thanh also has diabetes, which reduces natural immunity, making him susceptible to respiratory infections and slow recovery of airway mucosal damage.

The doctor prescribes a gastric tube for the patient to ensure nutrition combined with an infusion of saline solution to correct electrolyte disorders. To optimize the regimen, patients are given broad-spectrum antibiotics concurrently with drugs to treat adrenal insufficiency, diabetes, gout and antiplatelet drugs, ensuring no drug interactions that reduce effectiveness.

Patients are restored to respiratory function, with chest vibrations every day to squeeze phlegm from the deep areas of the lungs out and make expectoration easier. At the same time, the rehabilitation team supported him in exercising his limbs, avoiding muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. If the patient is immobilized for a long time, his physical condition will quickly deteriorate, his lungs will have difficulty recovering, and the risk of respiratory failure is high.

After 7 days of intensive treatment, he could sit up on his own and coordinate in respiratory exercises, the amount of secretions in his lungs decreased, and his breathing rate stabilized. He had the catheter removed and did not need a gastrostomy and was able to eat and drink.

Before leaving the hospital, Dr. Thuy instructed his family to continue to let him exercise daily, change positions regularly, maintain an easy-to-digest diet but have enough energy, and have regular check-ups. Close monitoring helps detect early signs of recurring pneumonia such as increased cough, difficulty breathing, fever or poor diet to avoid severe progression of the disease.