Beyond a Seasonal Infection: Why Pneumonia Can Become Life-Threatening and Who Is Most at Risk

Dr. Pavan Yadav M V, Clinical Director & Senior Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, Associate Director - Lung Transplantation, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City

Beyond Being a Seasonal Viral Infection

Pneumonia, although often thought to be a seasonal viral infection, is far more serious than the ordinary cold or flu. It is an infection of the lungs that causes inflammation of the lungs’ alveoli, possibilities of which may fill with fluid or pus and cause difficulties in breathing and reduce the amount of oxygen supplied to the blood. The age of the person does not matter, because pneumonia can affect anyone, but it can be fatal if it goes undiagnosed or untreated.

The Symptoms and the Possible Consequences

Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, with bacteria being the most common cause. Symptoms of pneumonia range from cough, fever, chills, pain in the chest, and difficulty in breathing, to fatigue, with advanced stages leading to low levels of oxygen, confusion and conditions such as sepsis and respiratory failure that may necessitate hospitalization.

Who Is Most at Risk of Developing Severe Pneumonia?

There are some groups of people more likely to experience severe pneumonia. Among them are infants, small children, adults aged over 65 years, and individuals with compromised immune systems. The risk of getting complications is also higher for those suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and kidney disease. Smoking and air pollution do not help the condition of lungs either, making a person more susceptible to developing pneumonia, and the consequences of infections harder to bear.

What Is the Importance of Timely Diagnosis and Treatment?

One of the main difficulties of pneumonia treatment is its recognition. The symptoms may resemble those of simple colds that result in individuals postponing their visit to a doctor or trying to treat the disease by themselves. However, a timely diagnosis of pneumonia and the required treatment can greatly increase the chances of remaining unharmed.

Prevention: Protecting Vulnerable Populations

Protecting those at risk requires taking measures to prevent certain diseases. Measures like using vaccination against pneumococcal disease, seasonal influenza and any other diseases that fall under vaccine preventable respiratory illnesses. To reduce the risk of becoming ill, it is also recommended to practice hand washing regularly, stay away from tobacco smoke and keep a check on other health conditions one may be suffering from.

Moving Beyond Awareness to Early Action

On World Pneumonia Day, the emphasis should be laid not only on the awareness about seasonal illness, but also regarding pneumonia being a lethal disease. To fight against this disease, pre-emptive action should be taken along with informing the masses about the preventive measures which can be taken at an early stage in order to prevent severe illness from occurring.

By Dr. Pavan Yadav M V, Clinical Director & Senior Consultant – Interventional Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, Associate Director - Lung Transplantation, KIMS Hospitals, Electronic City.