Tezzbuzz Desk- After Diwali, the risk of respiratory diseases has increased due to increased pollution in North India and now the cold weather. Among these, pneumonia is a serious infection, which may initially appear like a common cold or cough. But if timely attention is not given, the infection can reach the lungs and cause a serious condition. Especially small children, elderly people and people already suffering from any disease are at higher risk of pneumonia.
About 40 lakh cases of community-acquired pneumonia are reported every year in India. This number is said to be about a quarter of the total cases reported in the world. Of these, about one out of every five patients needs to be admitted to hospital. Children under five years of age are considered to be at greatest risk. According to estimates, more than one lakh children die every year in India due to pneumonia and respiratory infections.
Why do pollution and cold together increase the risk?
After Diwali, smoke and fine pollutant particles present in the air affect the respiratory tubes and lungs. According to Dr. Akshay Budhraja, Senior Consultant, Aakash Healthcare and HOD, Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, pollution causes damage to the respiratory tubes and it can be difficult for the lungs to expel the germs that cause infection.
Polluted air can also affect the body's immune cells, which help fight bacteria. After this, when the weather becomes cold and people spend more time indoors, the risk of spreading viral infections may also increase. In such a situation, a common infection can become serious and take the form of pneumonia.
When to understand that cough is not normal?
Sometimes the onset of pneumonia may look like a common cough or cold. This is the reason why people do not take the initial symptoms seriously. According to Dr. Shraddha Kulkarni, Consultant Chest Medicine and Allergy, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, many patients delay treatment thinking that the problem will resolve on its own. If cough persists for more than a week, fever is accompanied by difficulty in breathing or chest pain is experienced, it is important to contact a doctor. Shortness of breath, unusual fatigue and breathing faster than normal can also be signs that should not be ignored.
Relying on home remedies every time can be costly.
In case of cold or cough, many people resort to ginger tea, steam or old medicines present in the house. But in case of persistent symptoms, relying only on home remedies can be risky. According to experts, taking old antibiotics without doctor's advice is also not the right way. If the infection has reached the lungs, the patient may need oxygen and hospital treatment. Therefore, if symptoms persist for a long time or the condition worsens, it is important to get timely medical examination.
Who need to be more cautious?
Everyone can be at risk for pneumonia, but some people are more likely to get a serious infection. Apart from children under five years of age and the elderly, people who smoke should also take special precautions. People suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes, asthma and heart disease should also not ignore respiratory symptoms. Pregnant women are also advised to take special caution during this period. According to Dr. Archana Bajaj of Nurture IVF, there are changes in a woman's immune system during pregnancy. At the same time, due to the growing child, the lungs get relatively less space to expand. In such a situation, respiratory infection can cause more problems for the pregnant woman.
What to do to avoid pneumonia?
The risk of respiratory problems can be reduced by adopting some precautions during pollution and cold weather. According to Dr. Akshay Budhraja, it is useful to get information about air quality before going out. It is better to avoid morning outdoor exercise or walking on days with heavy smog. In polluted environments, a well-fitting N95 mask can provide better protection than an ordinary loose mask. One should avoid burning things that produce smoke even inside the house.
When the outside air is relatively clean, ventilation should be maintained in the rooms of the house. Air purifier can also be used in the bedroom. Consuming adequate amounts of warm fluids and maintaining a balanced diet can help the body fight infection. According to experts, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines cannot prevent all types of pneumonia, but they can help reduce the risk of severe disease, especially in the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions.
Keep special eye on children and elderly
Changes in the health of small children and elders at home should not be ignored. If a person appears more tired than usual, is breathing rapidly, is eating less or is troubled by persistent cough and fever, then one should not wait for the condition to worsen.
In this era of cold and pollution, considering a persistent cough as minor can be harmful. Timely identification of symptoms, protection from pollution and getting checked by a doctor if needed can play an important role in avoiding serious conditions like pneumonia.