‘Comorbid, addicts at higher risk of severe pneumonia’

Nagpur: Recently, a 62-year-old patient developed cough, fever, and shortness of breath within three days of falling ill. Though his two Covid tests came negative, the man was rushed to a private hospital with drastic drop in oxygenation and onset of chest pain. He was diagnosed with pneumonia (infection of the lungs) which affected his entire left side.
Compared to his old infection, which covered only the lower part, the fresh infection spread faster, covering the entire left lung in a short time. He was put on higher antibiotics, oxygen, and other supportive medications. Further examination revealed that he had uncontrolled diabetes and was a tobacco chewer.
On World Pneumonia Day which was observed on November 12, doctors said severe pneumonia is most common among children below five years of age, people over 65 and those with underlying health problems. “The elderly patients required oxygen support for over a month after discharge. The lung infection is as fatal as other respiratory diseases. At-risk patients must be careful with them too,” said pulmonologist Dr Sameer Lote.
Dr Lote further said, “After examination, the elderly patient underwent a bronchoscopy because he was unable to produce good quality sputum. He was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia after other Tb/viral/fungal causes were ruled out. His health continued to deteriorate, despite higher levels of antibiotics, and the patient required ventilator mechanical respiratory support.”
After days on artificial support, he was weaned and required physiotherapy and hospitalization for the next week. “A total of three weeks of hospitalization with an increased need for antibiotics and intensive care support lad to financial burden on the family. This is a common story for the elderly,” said Dr Lote.
According to a recent Lancet study (Wahl et al), the incidence of pneumonia in India decreased by 40% between 2000 and 2015. Despite this encouraging trend, 49.8 million cases per year is still a staggering number. “Though treatable and preventable, this disease still causes around 1.5 lakh deaths every year. Chest pain on coughing, recent onset of shortness of breath, fever and cough with sputum production are some of the symptoms of pneumonia,” he said.
Dr Lote stressed that prompt medical attention and correct use of antibiotics can save many lives. “Quitting smoking, tobacco, and alcohol can significantly reduce the risk of severe pneumonia and improve the quality of life in general. Early treatment of medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease can effectively reduce the incidence of pneumonia. Also, start walking,” he said.