World Pneumonia Day 2024: Pneumonia is a common lung respiratory infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Pneumonia causes your lung tissue to swell (inflammation) and can cause fluid or pus in your lungs. Though pneumonia is one of the most common respiratory infections, spread among millions annually, some misconceptions often confuse its condition and lead to wrong prevention and treatment. Hence, to debunk myths, we got in touch with Dr Neeraj Gupta, Associate Director- Pulmonology, Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital Gurugram who clarified these misconceptions.
Myth 1- Pneumonia Can Strike Only Elderly People
Fact: It is a fact that older adults have a higher susceptibility to infections of pneumonia. However, the infection can hit anyone at any age – children, young adults, and even people who are fit and healthy can get infected. “People exposed to pollutants or infections are also vulnerable; the more they are susceptible, the more conditions they have such as weak immune systems and existing health conditions. Children younger than five and older adults are considered highly vulnerable; these groups should consult their doctors about vaccination and other preventive measures,” Dr Neeraj explains.
Myth 2: Pneumonia Is Just A Bad Cold
Pneumonia is much worse than a common cold or flu. Some of the symptoms, such as cough and fever, can be somewhat similar, but pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. This can make breathing problematic and lower oxygen levels in the body. Dr Neeraj shares that if pneumonia is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and respiratory failure, which can be fatal. If you have symptoms like chest pain, a constant cough with phlegm, fever, or difficulty breathing, do not diagnose it as the common cold and head to your physician.
Myth 3: Antibiotics Are Always Effective Against Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be initiated by either one of three; they are bacteria, viruses, and fungi and antibiotics are only effective to deal with the bacterial pneumonias. Viral pneumonia is the most common in flu and COVID-19 cases as they tend to be treated to alleviate some of the symptoms and some even antiviral medication is prescribed. “Fungal pneumonia very rarely occurs but has a link with people whose immune systems have been compromised for any disease condition. Based on your kind of pneumonia, your doctor will tell you which treatment options would work best for you,” he said.
Myth 4: Once You Have Suffered Pneumonia, You Will Never Develop It Again
Pneumonia is unlike other diseases in which the body develops immunity against the causative agent upon recovery. You can be infected with pneumonia more than once. This occurs particularly if the exposure is from various pathogens or by the presence of certain risk factors. In addition, vaccines, like the pneumococcal vaccine, help decrease the risk of developing some types of bacterial pneumonia. However, they are not 100 per cent immunity-giving vaccines, Dr Neeraj explains. Getting annual flu shots and following proper hygiene, including handwashing, can help prevent infections that can cause pneumonia.
Myths 5: Pneumonia Only Happens To Smokers
Smoking really damages the lungs, as well as weakens one's immune system, leading them to be more at risk of suffering from pneumonia. However, it is not true for nonsmokers to experience it. Those with chronic illness, weakened immune system or respiratory condition, or exposure to pollutants or second-hand smoke can also develop the infection. While smoking will never be a good option in the prevention of such sickness, it is one part only of the factors affecting people to be at higher risk.
Myth 6: Pneumonia Always Needs Hospital Care
“Very minor cases of pneumonia may be treated at home based on rest, fluid intake, and prescribed medicines. In contrast, patients suffering from more severe cases are more likely to be older people, infants, or people with other medical problems and are likely to end up in a hospital to deal with various complications. If you believe that you have pneumonia, contact your doctor for proper care,” he said.