Spitting
in open areas is a common practice in India, and with it spreads a host of
diseases. India is not immune to pneumonia; spitting in public complicates
things. According to The Lancet report, pneumonia is behind the highest
child mortality rate. With winter months setting in, coughing, sneezing,
breathlessness, and air pollution are leading to pneumonia in adults and
children. Post-COVID-19 outbreak, the mysterious outbreak of pneumonia in China
is raising eyebrows among the healthcare fraternity in India.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia
is an infection of the lungs. The severe forms lead to air sacs filled with
pus, leading to serious consequences. Lungs have tiny sacs known as alveoli and
remain air-filled in a healthy individual. An infected person with pneumonia
has the alveoli filled with pus and fluid. There are four stages of pneumonia:
early congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution. Infants
and adults over 65 are more prone to the disease. Pneumonia may be due to
bacteria, viruses, and even fungi. Pneumonia is contagious and can spread fast
when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, thus spreading infected
respiratory droplets.
The
common causes of bacterial pneumonia are Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a tiny,
widespread bacterium generally transmitted to younger people, especially those
living and working in crowded conditions.
Chlamydophila pneumoniae is a mild form of pneumonia and occurs
year-round in the upper respiratory area.
Legionella pneumophila is the most virulent form and can cause
Legionnaire’s disease. The outbreak is linked to exposure to contaminated water
from cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and outdoor fountains.
The
flu, also known as the influenza virus, and the common cold, known as
rhinovirus, are the most common causes of viral pneumonia in adults. The most
common cause of viral pneumonia in young children is Respiratory Syncytial
Virus (RSV).
Fungal
pneumonia mainly affects people with chronic health problems or weakened immune
systems. People exposed to contaminated soil or bird droppings are likely to
procure fungal pneumonia. Pigeons can contract hypersensitive pneumonia.
Symptoms
Symptoms
can vary, with an infected person producing a cough with greenish, yellow, or
bloody mucus. The other likely symptoms are shortness of breath, shallow
breathing, fever, sweating, loss of appetite, fatigue, etc.
The
indication of bacterial pneumonia can develop gradually or suddenly, and the
fever may rise to 105 degrees F. Lips and nailbeds may turn bluish due to lack
of oxygen. Viral pneumonia has symptoms similar to bacterial pneumonia, and
symptoms develop over several days. Infants and children may not show immediate
symptoms, whereas adults with weak immune systems will find it difficult to
cope with the disease. A severe form of pneumonia may lead to mental awareness
in some patients.
Preventive measures
Upon
being diagnosed with pneumonia, it is a must for the patient to approach a
doctor and take medical interventions if the condition is severe. Following
proper medication will lead to a quick recovery. Preventing people from
spitting in public needs social awareness, and thus, diseases like pneumonia
will be easy to tackle.
