Myth or Fact? What's True about Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a prevalent respiratory infection that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia causes inflammation in the air sacs, known as alveoli, in either one or both lungs. When these alveoli become filled with pus or fluid, it hampers the intake of oxygen, leading to breathing difficulties. Pneumonia happens when the organism overwhelms the host's immunity, resulting in lung damage and compromised lung function.

Common symptoms include a dry cough or thick yellow, green, or blood-stained mucus, a high fever, trouble breathing, acute chest discomfort, sweating, and shaking. Experts believe that early detection and annual immunizations can help minimize the chance of acquiring pneumonia and the severity of the condition.

Even though pneumonia is so widespread and can strike anywhere and anytime, there are various myths and misconceptions about it. These myths can lead to misunderstandings regarding the disease's etiology, symptoms, and prevention. By addressing some common pneumonia myths in this article, we hope to increase awareness and understanding of this disease.

Myth 1: Pneumonia is just a severe form of common cold

 

While there is some overlap in symptoms, it is important to distinguish pneumonia from the common cold. Colds are viral infections of the upper respiratory tract, as opposed to pneumonia, which is an infection of the lung parenchyma - a complex network of thin-walled alveoli that facilitate gas exchange. In addition to the usual cold symptoms, pneumonia can cause difficulty breathing, fever with chills, and the expectoration of phlegm, mucus, or blood. Furthermore, the approaches to treating pneumonia and the common cold differ.

The common cold usually affects the upper respiratory tract rather than the lungs, resulting in normal oxygen levels in the lungs and a milder duration of sickness. In contrast, pneumonia poses a greater threat, especially for people with compromised immune systems, and its symptoms are more severe and persistent than the typical cold. Seeking medical advice is crucial when experiencing persistent flu-like symptoms. 

 

Myth 2: Pneumonia is highly contagious

Generally, pneumonia is not considered contagious in isolation; its transmissibility depends on the specific germ responsible for the infection. Viruses like influenza (flu) and COVID-19, or bacteria from sinus infections, can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or contaminates surfaces. 

Aspiration pneumonia results from inhaling food, liquid, vomit, or objects into the lungs, which must be distinguished from non-contagious pneumonias such as fungal pneumonia. 

 

To reduce the risk of pneumonia, it is imperative to take precautions against the transmission of underlying infections. This includes observing practices like regular handwashing, practicing proper cough and sneeze etiquette, and avoiding contact with individuals exhibiting symptoms of illness. 

 

Myth 3: Bronchitis and pneumonia are the same disease

 

Although bronchitis and pneumonia can occur simultaneously, they target different segments of the respiratory system. Bronchitis leads to inflammation in the lung tubes, whereas pneumonia impacts the lung tissue responsible for oxygen absorption into the bloodstream. A precise diagnosis, often assisted by medical tests, is required for proper treatment. 

 

Myth 4: Pneumonia only affects children

Pneumonia is an infection that can affect individuals across all age groups. Young children and the elderly tend to be more susceptible to this disease, possibly due to the underdeveloped immune systems in children and the compromised immunity in older individuals, often compounded by comorbid conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Those over 65 years old with pneumonia are particularly at a heightened risk of facing complications, hospitalization, and mortality.

Myth 5: Pneumonia only happens in winter 

Although pneumonia, the flu, and RSV are more prevalent in the colder months, medical experts clarify that pneumonia can occur at any time. Pneumonia-causing germs persist year-round, so we must adopt preventive measures for overall well-being.

Myth 6: Antibiotics cure all types of pneumonia

Antibiotics are effective against bacterial pneumonia but not against viral pneumonia. Your healthcare provider will prescribe the most appropriate treatment depending on the specific cause of your pneumonia. It's crucial to avoid taking antibiotics unnecessarily, as this can lead to antibiotic resistance. If you have viral pneumonia, your doctor will most likely guide you on how to manage your symptoms at home, which may include over-the-counter (OTC) medications.

 

 In the case of bacterial infections, you must complete the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you have fungal pneumonia, your provider may use anti-fungal medication to eliminate or prevent the growth of harmful fungi in your body. Hospitalization may be necessary if your symptoms are severe.

 

Myth 7: Pneumonia poses no risk to healthy people

A healthy person can get pneumonia if they are exposed to the pneumonia-causing organism for an extended period of time, although this is rare. When a healthy person's immunity is overcome by the pneumonia-causing bacterium, pneumonia may develop. In healthy people, the mild nature of pneumonia helps facilitate a faster recovery. The American Lung Association warns that, while most people recover from pneumonia within a few weeks, it can potentially be fatal. 

 

 

Myth 8: Pneumonia cannot be prevented

Pneumonia can be effectively prevented through various means. This includes receiving flu shots and annual influenza vaccines, which significantly lower the likelihood of contracting pneumonia. Additionally, antibiotics are often prescribed for pneumonia treatment. High-risk individuals can further reduce their risk by receiving the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), followed by the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23), particularly effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, the most common bacterial culprit of pneumonia. These vaccines are routinely recommended for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Maintaining well-controlled comorbidities, such as diabetes, also plays a crucial role in reducing susceptibility to pneumonia.

Handwashing with soap, according to a 2005 study published in The Lancet medical journal, can reduce the incidence of pneumonia in children under the age of five by 50%. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, having a balanced diet, stopping smoking, getting enough sleep, and wearing masks in public areas all help to prevent pneumonia.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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These ‘five distinct symptoms’ may help you differentiate Omicron from regular cold

With close to 100 cases of the Omicron variant in India, there is a need to step-up precautions by getting vaccinated and following all safety protocols. But, with winter being the season of common cold and cough, it also becomes extremely essential to know about the symptoms of the new variant to avoid confusion and begin correct treatment.

Symptoms of Covid and common cold are very similar, and it can be tricky to tell one from the other only based on symptoms such as headache, scratchy throat, and runny nose. “Loss of smell, when present, often rings the bells for Covid testing for many which otherwise may not,” a  Infectious Disease Specialist in Mumbai told.

Reportedly, vaccinated patients who have been infected have exhibited mild symptoms.

Another Dr.  said that on the basis of initial reports “Omicron has five distinct symptoms of its own, which are: a scratchy throat (as opposed to a sore throat), dry cough, extreme tiredness, mild muscle aches and night sweats.

“Whereas, the symptoms of cold include a blocked or runny nose, sore throat, headaches, muscle aches, coughs, a raised temperature, pressure in your ears and face and loss of taste and smell. As many of the symptoms of both the conditions are similar, it’s essential to get yourself tested if you experience any,” he said.

When to get tested?

Addressing how to prevent the spread of the new variant, a Consultant Respiratory, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine  mentioned in a YouTube live session that one should seek testing if they feel they could have been exposed to a large gathering recently.

“At the moment, when there is a new variant, we should not be taking it easy and if you have any kind of cold or flu-like symptoms and body ache, you should consult your doctor and get tested, especially if you have history of travel or attending a mass gathering. But yes, if you have frequent history of allergies and are sneezing frequently throughout the day, but do not have any kind of fever or body ache, then you can take a day to see if the symptoms settle down,” she said.

Dr Gilada is quick to point out how many people are refraining from getting testing. “Many individuals out there with Covid aren’t getting tests done because it feels just like a common cold. We are, however, requesting anyone with flu-like symptoms to isolate themselves and follow all the necessary protocols while also getting a Covid test at the earliest. This prevents exposure to other individuals and saves the panic that comes with a positive report several days into the illness,” she informed.

How does testing help?

According to a Dr, while an RT-PCR test for Covid-19 “also cannot definitely differentiate Omicron from the other variants”, the strain doesn’t change any management protocols. “Although an S gene drop-out on RT-PCR may signal the possibility of Omicron, only genomic testing can ascertain the strain. At an individual level, the strain of Covid doesn’t change any management protocols. Knowing the strain is crucial for public health planning though,” she said.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Omicron COVID-19 Variant: Know the 5 key symptoms

Omicron variant of coronavirus, which was first reported in South Africa has triggered global alarm. Scientists have begun the race to figure out how dangerous this Covid-19 varieant is, while countries around the world have closed borders and put further restrictions in place to keep the new variant at bay.

The World Health Organization (WHO) which earlier said the variant carries a "very high" risk of infection, has advised its 194 member nations that any surge in infections could have severe consequences. However, it asserted that no deaths had yet been linked to the new variant.

"Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic," the WHO said.

"The overall global risk related to the new variant of concern Omicron is assessed as very high," it said.

Although scientists have said that it could take weeks to understand the severity of Omicron, a general practitioner in Gauteng in South Africa said patients are having flu-like symptoms. “So far they have mostly been very mild cases, with patients having flu-like symptoms, including dry coughs, fever, night sweats, a lot of body pains,” Dr Unben Pillay said, Pillay practitioner in Gauteng province where 81 percent of the new cases have been reported.

Dr Angelique Coetzee, chair of the South African Medical Association, who first raised the alarm over Omicron, has said that symptoms of the variant are ‘extremely mild’, however, ‘unfamiliar’.

Here are the key symptoms that appeared in Omicron patients:

- Patients infected with this COVID-19 variant show extreme tiredness, which is not limited to any age group, according to Dr Coetzee.

- There is no cases having a severe drop in oxygen saturation levels. In India, a major drop in oxygen saturation levels was reported among patients during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

- Patients have reported mild muscle aches, a “scratchy throat” and dry cough, Dr Coetzee told news agency AFP.

- Only a few patients have reported a slightly high temperature, the doctor said.

- Most patients of Omicron strain have recovered without hospitalisation, say doctors, according to Dr Unben Pillay. 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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