Patients with type
2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are more likely to suffer from various infections, especially lower respiratory tract infections, due to long-term high blood sugar levels and impaired immune system function. Lower respiratory tract infections usually include pneumonia, bronchitis, etc. These diseases may show unique symptoms in diabetic patients and require special treatment strategies.
1. Clinical signs and symptoms 1. Respiratory symptoms
Patients with type
2 diabetes mellitus complicated with lower respiratory tract infection often present with cough, expectoration, sore throat, chest distress, chest pain and other symptoms. These symptoms are similar to those of lower respiratory tract infections in the general population, but because of the lower immunity of diabetic patients, the disease may develop more rapidly and take longer to recover. 2. Fluctuation
of blood sugar During
lower respiratory tract infection, diabetic patients may have significant fluctuations in blood sugar. On the one hand, the stress of infection may lead to the increase of blood sugar; on the other hand, the decrease of appetite caused by infection or the use of certain drugs (such as antibiotics) may also cause the decrease of blood sugar. Therefore, patients need to closely monitor blood sugar and adjust the use of hypoglycemic drugs according to the situation. 3. Systemic symptoms
In addition to respiratory symptoms, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may also have fever, chills, headache, fatigue and other systemic symptoms when combined with lower respiratory tract infection. These symptoms may aggravate the condition of diabetic patients and affect their quality of life. 4. Complication symptoms
For diabetic patients with complications, such as lower respiratory tract infection, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease may be induced or aggravated. Therefore, patients should also pay attention to the related symptoms of these complications, such as chest pain, expiratory dyspnoea, edema and so on.
2. Treatment strategy 1. Anti-infective treatment
For the pathogens of lower respiratory tract infection, the key is to select appropriate antibiotics for anti-infective treatment. Doctors will choose appropriate antibiotics according to the symptoms, signs and laboratory results of patients. At the same time, because of the low immunity of diabetic patients, it may be necessary to prolong the use of antibiotics or increase the dosage. 2. Blood glucose control
Blood glucose must be closely monitored and controlled while
treating lower respiratory tract infections. Adjust the use of hypoglycemic drugs according to the blood sugar level to ensure that the blood sugar fluctuates within the ideal range. This helps to reduce the impact of infection stress on blood sugar and promote the recovery of the disease. 3. Supportive treatment
For patients with severe symptoms, supportive treatment such as oxygen inhalation and fluid infusion may be needed. These measures are helpful to improve the respiratory function of patients, correct the disorder of water and electrolyte, and improve the quality of life. 4. Immunotherapy
For diabetic patients with low immunity, immunopotentiators or immunomodulators can be considered to improve immunity. These drugs help to strengthen the patient’s resistance and reduce the occurrence and aggravation of infection. 5. Life conditioning
During treatment, patients should also pay attention to maintaining good living habits and eating habits. Adequate sleep, moderate exercise and balanced diet are helpful to enhance immunity and promote recovery. At the same time, avoiding bad habits such as smoking and drinking can also help reduce the risk of infection.
III. Summary
The clinical signs may be more complicated and severe in patients with type
2 diabetes mellitus complicated with lower respiratory tract infection. Therefore, in the course of treatment, it is necessary to take into account the patient’s blood sugar level, infection pathogens, complications and other factors, and formulate a personalized treatment plan. At the same time, strengthening the life conditioning and health education of patients is also an important measure to improve the therapeutic effect and reduce the occurrence of complications.
In conclusion, the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections in patients with type 2 diabetes requires multidisciplinary collaboration and comprehensive treatment to ensure that patients can recover as soon as possible and reduce the occurrence of complications.
Type 2 diabetes
