The health burden of Pneumonia
Winters is the time of the year when most people are sniffling, coughing or reporting fever. While most cases are simple flu ones, doctors warn that some may be of community acquired pneumonia, known as CAP. “Infact, people who develop the flu can sometimes develop pneumonia as a secondary infection. Cold, dry air and tendency of people to gather indoors in close proximity during cold periods, enhances the likelihood of both airborne and contact transmission of flu and pneumonia causing microorganisms,” shares Dr Vivek Nangia, Principal Director and Head, Institute of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Max Hospital, Saket Complex.
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Pneumonia is a prominent cause of death
Pneumonia is an infection that involves the air sacs in one or both lungs. A variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause Pneumonia. The most common bacterial pathogen is Streptococcus Pneumoniae, followed by Hemophilus Influenzae, Atypical organisms and Gram Negative Bacteria like Klebsiella and Pseudomonas.
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How to identify pneumonia cough or fever
According to Dr. Asmita Mehta, Clinical Professor, Respiratory Medicine, Amrita Hospital, cough with yellow or greenish phlegm (sputum) or sometimes blood is a sign of pneumonia. Other signs include fever with chills, breathing difficulty with or without blue lips or fingertips, chest pain which becomes worse on deep breathing, coughing or sneezing.
Pneumonia in a severe stage can also cause confusion, forgetfulness and mental clouding. A diagnosis of pneumonia is reached on the basis of typical symptomatology, physical examination, some blood tests, sputum examination and a chest X Ray, adds Dr Nangia.
Who is at risk?
The risk factors for acquiring Pneumonia and developing its complications are extremes of ages (< 2 years and > 65 years), smoking, alcohol intake, and presence of comorbidities like Diabetes, Chronic Lung diseases like Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Interstitial Lung Disease, Chronic Heart Disease, Chronic Kidney and Liver Diseases, leak of brain fluid, cochlear implant, and any immunosuppressive state like AIDS, cancers and prolonged courses of steroids and immunosuppressive therapy, explains Dr Nangia.
How to protect yourself from pneumonia
“Early treatment initiation with appropriate antibiotics is very essential for a successful recovery. People who develop any of the above symptoms must see their physicians immediately. The usual duration of antibiotics is 5 to 7 days. However, despite appropriate therapy, it can lead to certain complications that include spread of infection in the blood (Bactremia), sepsis, drop in blood pressure (Shock), Multi-organ involvement, development of pus inside the chest (Empyema), formation of lung abscess and death,” adds Dr Nangia.
Pneumonias can be prevented by following good hygiene practices, not smoking or quitting to smoke and taking appropriate flu and pneumococcal vaccinations.