World Pneumonia Day – Important Tips to Stay Safe from Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause mild to severe illness. The condition can affect people of all ages; it is one of the leading causes of death in children below 5 years of age. Also, people with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of suffering from severe cases of pneumonia. Hence, on World Pneumonia Day - 12th November, several healthcare organisations from across the world come together and create awareness about the condition, its symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

Now when the entire world is dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 pneumonia has been one of the main causes of death in the elderly. In this, apart from lung damage due to COVID-19, one suffers additional symptoms such as shortness of breath or rapid breathing. Pneumonia is a life-threatening condition and timely treatment at reputed healthcare centres is important to prevent complications. Since this can be an expensive affair, make sure you keep a Individual health insurance policy handy. This will help you opt for the best treatment, if required, without any financial stress.

Pneumonia: Risk factors

While anyone can get infected by pneumonia, the following are at a higher risk:

• Infants below 2 years of age

• People above 65 years of age

• People with a recent case of cold or flu

• People with underlying conditions and a weakened immune system

• People suffering from chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma or cystic fibrosis

• People who had a recent surgery or trauma or were on ventilator support

• People who smoke, drink excessive alcohol or take certain drugs

Pneumonia: Causes

Pneumonia is a microbial infection that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Apart from infecting the respiratory tract, it often inflames the air sacs on one or both lungs, thereby causing fever, severe cough, chills and breathing issues. Here’s a look at the causes of pneumonia:

• Bacterial pneumonia:

The following bacteria or bacteria-like organisms cause bacterial pneumonia-

• • Streptococcus Pneumoniae

• • Haemophilus Influenzae

• • Mycoplasma Pneumoniae

• • Legionella Pneumophila

• Viral pneumonia:

This is caused by certain respiratory viruses, such as -

• • RSV or Respiratory syncytial virus

• • Influenza (flu)

• • Rhinoviruses (Common cold)

• Fungal pneumonia:

People with a weakened immune system may suffer from fungal pneumonia. Some fungi that cause this condition are:

• • Cryptococcus Species

• • Pneumocystis Jirovecii

• • Histoplasmosis Species

Pneumonia: Symptoms

The common symptoms of pneumonia are:

• • Shortness of breath

• • Rapid breathing

• • Cough with phlegm

• • Fever and sweating

• • Shaking chills

• • Loss of appetite and fatigue

• • Nausea and vomiting

• • Sharp pain in the chest

• • Headache

How to prevent pneumonia?

Being a contagious condition, pneumonia can easily spread from one person to another through airborne respiratory droplets. However, following healthy lifestyle habits and taking certain precautions can keep you healthy and safe. Here are some simple yet effective tips that can help prevent pneumonia:

1.Take the vaccine:

There are vaccines that can help prevent certain types of flu and pneumonia. So, talk to your doctor and take the vaccine. Pneumonia vaccine is available for kids as well.

2. Quit smoking:

This is important as smoking can cause severe lung damage. You must also try to avoid second-hand smoking and exposure to harmful chemicals and air pollutants that can damage the lungs.

3. Sanitize your hands often:

Since pneumonia also spreads like COVID-19, you must avoid touching shared objects and surfaces in public places. If you touch anything, sanitize your hands thoroughly. Also, wash your hands with soap and water regularly.

4. Avoid meeting sick people:

This is particularly important if you have a weakened immune system. Meeting people suffering from the common cold, flu or pneumonia can increase your risk of acquiring the infection.

5. Eat healthy and exercise:

You must follow a healthy diet and exercise at least 5 times a week for good health and fitness. A healthy and balanced diet will provide important nutrients to your body and strengthen immunity. Keeping your immune system strong is important to fight off pneumonia and other infections.

6. Avoid alcohol:

Consumption of alcohol weakens the immune system and decreases the ability of your body to fight infections. Studies have shown that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of contracting pneumonia and other lung diseases.

7. Getinfections/health conditions treated:

If you are suffering from respiratory infection or any other health condition, get yourself treated without delay. Some infections can cause pneumonia and make things worse. The treatment of certain health conditions may require hospitalisation as well. Hence, make sure you take a Mediclaim policy that will help you avail timely treatment without worrying about the finances.

Conclusion:

Although severe pneumonia can be life-threatening, timely diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent complications and expedite recovery. Hence, take care of your health, follow healthy lifestyle habits and seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of pneumonia. Also, considering the emergence or re-emergence of different infectious diseases and their expensive treatment, having a Mediclaim policy is important for financial security. An adequate health plan for the entire family will help you opt for the best treatment without fretting about the bills.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

*International Diabetes Federation Diabetes Atlas