World Pneumonia Day: How to take care and avoid the respiratory disease this winter

The monsoon season has its fair share of sicknesses and those that take a toll on one's body. For many, winter is no different. With the change in weather, we have to deal with bouts of cold and cough and it doesn't end there. People are also prone to other illnesses like pneumonia. While experts say it affects people during any time of the year but are particularly susceptible to suffering from it in the colder season. It is not only the young but also the old who are most likely to be affected by it, they say.

Every year, World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12. It was designated by the Stop Pneumonia Initiative in 2009 to raise awareness about the respiratory disease. The fact that it deals with the respiratory system is especially important in a post-Covid world.

As the winter season gets underway in the city, Mid-day Online spoke to Dr Vikrant Shah, consulting physician, intensivist, and infectious disease specialist at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, and Dr Rohan Aurangabadwalla, consultant and head of department of Pulmonary Medicine, interventional pulmonology and sleep medicine, Medicover Hospitals, about the disease. While Shah and Aurangabadwalla explain the causes, they stress on the need for early detection and why people need to take it seriously.

What are the causes of pneumonia?
Shah: Bacterial pneumonia happens due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Legionella pneumophila. So, one really needs to be careful and take utmost care of his/her health.

Aurangabadwalla: Viral pneumonia can be caused owing to influenza, Coronavirus infection, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinoviruses (common cold), human parainfluenza virus (HPIV) infection, chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus) etc.

What are the symptoms that people should look out for to detect pneumonia?
Shah: You may have pneumonia if you notice red flags such as poor appetite, unbearable chest pain, breathlessness and constant sweating. Those infants or babies will have symptoms such as wheezing and breathing difficulties.

Aurangabadwalla: Pneumonia can be present with high grade fever, cough with or without expectoration, breathlessness, blood in sputum (hemoptysis), body ache and fatigue.

During which time of the year are people more prone to get pneumonia?
Shah: Respiratory infections are common in winter when the climate outside is cold. Thus, people keep getting asthma, bronchitis, or even pneumonia.

Aurangabadwalla: Although it can happen at any time of the year, pneumonia is commonly seen during winter and during monsoons. So, one really needs to be cautious.

Who is most affected by pneumonia (example: smokers)? Does it affect people of a particular age group or gender?
Shah: Infants, senior citizens, those with cancer, ones using steroids, and having diabetes, COPD, smokers, asthma, heart failure, liver disease, kidney problem, and diabetes will be at a greater risk of getting diagnosed with pneumonia.

Aurangabadwalla: Pneumonia can affect individuals of any age group. However, individuals at extremes of age are more prone. Also, people with co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney diseases, and patients on immuno-suppressant medications are more prone to pneumonia. It is better to seek timely intervention.

Can a person who has Covid-19 get pneumonia? Does that lead to complications?
Shah: Pneumonia is one of the major bacterial diseases. It can be severe and can even lead to death depending on the person's health.

Aurangabadwalla: Covid-19 itself can present pneumonia. Also, people can get secondary bacterial infection leading to pneumonia post Covid-19.

Has Covid-19 changed how people approach pneumonia? Are you seeing more cases?
Shah: We witnessed a surge in the number of patients who had pneumonia due to Covid infection and required prompt medical intervention.

Aurangabadwalla: There has definitely been a change in the way people are approaching respiratory health in general, since the onset of Covid-19 pandemic. People with a history of severe Covid-19 and related lung damage are more prone to pulmonary infections and hence at increased risk of pneumonia.

What are the effects of pneumonia? Do people need to take more care of their lungs after that?
Shah: Fluid retention in the lungs seen that happens due to pneumonia can cause respiratory failure. It can even lead to heart failure. It can also cause confusion.

Aurangabadwalla: Pneumonia can lead to sepsis (spread of infection) which can lead to secondary involvement of other organs in the body including kidney, liver and heart. People definitely need to be more careful after pneumonia and ensure they are vaccinated for influenza, pneumococcal infection, and Covid.

What are the common misconceptions about pneumonia?
Shah:

Myth: Pneumonia happens to only senior citizens
Fact: Pneumonia happens to people of all age groups. It is also commonly seen in those with diabetes, HIV, and a weakened immune system.
Aurangabadwalla:

Myth: Pneumonia is just a cold
Fact: This statement is completely false. Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that needs to be treated without wasting any time.

Should people take pneumonia seriously?
Shah: If you fail to take pneumonia seriously then you may land in trouble. There can also be symptoms like racing and abnormal heartbeat.

Aurangabadwalla: It is absolutely essential to take pneumonia seriously and avoid delaying treatment at any cost. Common colds will lead to runny nose, sneezing, and coughing and will last only for a few days. Pneumonia can lead to more severe symptoms including breathlessness and can even be life threatening.

How can people strengthen their lungs to prevent pneumonia?

Shah: Smoking damages the lungs and leads to pneumonia. So, quit smoking, wash your hands with soap and water, cover your mouth while coughing, wear a mask, maintain a safe distance from people, rest enough, avoid crowded places, exercise daily, and eat well.

What are the foods you should eat when suffering from pneumonia?

Shah: Opting for oranges, lemons and limes that are loaded with vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and lungs. Coconut water stops the formation of mucus and helps to stay hydrated and boost immunity to keep the lungs in top shape.

Aurangabadwalla: It is absolutely essential to take pneumonia seriously and avoid delaying treatment at any cost. Common colds will lead to runny nose, sneezing, and coughing and will last only for a few days. Pneumonia can lead to more severe symptoms including breathlessness and can even be life threatening. Avoid smoking, ensure yearly influenza vaccination especially for individuals more than 50 years of age and/or presence of comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases etc., breathing exercises including pranayam.

Also Read: Why more awareness needs to be created about stuttering in educational institutions and society