In this health article we bring forward to you a few important facts about pneumonia and also discuss some common myths.

The 'Must Know' about Pneumonia

  • Pneumonia is a very common and fatal lung infection. It causes inflammation of the lungs and fills the air sacs with fluid or pus.
  • Pneumonia is a serious medical condition and is identified as the single biggest infectious killer in both children and adults.
  • Unhealthy lifestyle, frequent or constant exposure to air pollution, smoke, and other lung irritants, poor nutrition, and lack of vaccination are the major risk factors for pneumonia.
  • The major symptoms of pneumonia include: 
  1. Cough (often producing phlegm)
  2. Chest pain and difficulty breathing
  3. Rapid breathing and shortness of breath
  4. Fever and chills 
  5. Loss of appetite
  6. Nausea and vomiting
  7. Confusion (mostly seen in adults)
  • In the majority of cases (unless severe) pneumonia is treated by medications, plenty of fluid intake, rest, and avoiding exposure to pollution and other lung irritants.
  • If left untreated or if not treated properly pneumonia may lead to serious complications such as lung abscess or respiratory failure.

Beware of the 'Myths' about Pneumonia

Myth 1 - Exposure to cold without proper warm clothing leads to pneumonia.

  • Fact - Pneumonia is caused due to microbes (bacteria, fungi, or virus). Exposure to cold in itself is not a cause for pneumonia.

Myth 2 - Pneumonia is just a case of cold turned to bad or severe cold.

  • Fact - Common cold is a viral infection and is usually self-limiting with good personal care. Typically a common cold does not need immediate or extensive medical care. Pneumonia on the contrary is a serious medical condition and requires immediate medical care and attention.

Myth 3 - Pneumonia is confined to the infected person and does not spread from person to person.

  • Fact - Pneumonia is not contagious only when caused by fungi. The bacterial and viral pneumonia are contagious and spread from person to person.

Myth 4 - A person with pneumonia will always show symptoms.

  • Fact - Pneumonia often causes visible illness and a person infected with pneumonia shows symptoms. However, there may be cases where the person is carrier but does not show any symptoms.

Myth 5 - Pneumonia is an illness of older age.

  • Fact - Pneumonia can affect people of any age. Particularly, people with weakened immunity are at a greater risk of getting pneumonia.

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