PNEUMONIA IN LUNG CANCER PATIENTS: CLINICAL CHALLENGES, DIAGNOSTIC PITFALLS, AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES
Abstract
Lung cancer is a condition that has a risk of co-infection. Conditions such as immunodepression, neutropenia, and other co-morbidities such as smoking and COPD are also risk factors for infection, especially lower respiratory tract infections. Pneumonia is an infection that often occurs in lung cancer. Impaired immunity, malnutrition and anatomical abnormalities in lung cancer can cause pneumonia-causing pathogens to enter and colonize the lower respiratory tract. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenza and gram-negative bacilli are bacteria that often cause pneumonia. Fever, productive cough with purulent sputum and shortness of breath are classic symptoms of pneumonia which also occurs in lung cancer with pneumonia. Radiographic images, laboratory analysis and microbiological tests are modalities in establishing the diagnosis. Antibiotics are the main therapy in the management of lung cancer with pneumonia adjusted to each individual and the accompanying risks.
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International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Public Health
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