Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a disease of the lungs that makes breathing difficult and limits oxygen levels in the body. It is mostly caused due to an infection by microbes such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In pneumonia, the air pouches which usually fill with air when breathing, gets filled with infective material, mucus and fluid. This can lead to symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, and chest pain.

Worldwide, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five years of age despite being easily preventable and treatable. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is the leading cause of morbidity and death in adults across the world. India contributes to 23% of the global pneumonia burden. Due to the high risk, it is advised that people above 65 years of age and those above 18 years of age with risk factors for pneumonia must take pneumococcal vaccines routinely.

Pneumonia is more common during the winter months and can affect people of any age. However, the risk is high in patients with compromised immunity like young children upto 2 years of age, people older than 65, and people with underlying medical problems such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung disease. Mild pneumonia can usually be treated at home with rest and use of antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. More severe cases may need hospital treatment.