Polluted air can raise pneumonia risk, warn Mumbai doctors on World Pneumonia Day

On World Pneumonia Day, doctors said exposure to polluted air, smoke and harmful particles can weaken the lungs' natural immunity. This raises the risk of respiratory infections such as pneumonia. According to the doctors, young children, the elderly and people already suffering from illnesses need to take particular care.

Pneumonia remains a serious respiratory problem. It can affect people of any age, from children to the elderly. Bacterial and viral infections are its common causes. Doctors say air pollution, smoke and long exposure to harmful particles also affect lung health and can raise the risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia. As air quality worsens by the day, doctors are stressing the need to know about pneumonia, recognise early symptoms and take preventive steps in time.

Pneumonia is an infection in which the air sacs of one or both lungs become inflamed. These sacs may fill with fluid or pus. This makes breathing difficult and reduces the lungs' ability to deliver oxygen to the body. Cough, fever, chills, chest pain, breathlessness and fatigue are common symptoms. Sometimes, especially in the elderly, confusion and greater than usual weakness may also be seen.

Dr Jay Bhanushali, a lung specialist at Zynova Shalby Hospital in Mumbai, said air pollution weakens the lungs' natural immunity and can raise the risk of respiratory infections, including pneumonia. According to him, pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10 and nitrogen dioxide irritate the airways, cause inflammation and reduce the respiratory system's ability to fight the viruses and bacteria that spread infection. Long stays in polluted air can leave the lungs more vulnerable to infection and can also increase its severity.

Dr Bhanushali said children under five, the elderly, patients with asthma or COPD, diabetics and people with low immunity face a higher risk. He said respiratory complaints are rising as air quality worsens. According to him, suspected pneumonia cases have risen by about 20 per cent in the past 15 days.

He also said that during this period, 2 in every 10 patients aged 25 to 65 who came for treatment showed symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, chest pain, breathlessness and extreme fatigue. Pneumonia was therefore suspected in them. Dr Bhanushali advised people to avoid going out as far as possible when the air is bad, maintain personal hygiene, wear a mask when stepping out and look after their lungs.

Dr Chhaya Vaja, an internal medicine specialist at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Mumbai, said a timely check-up by a doctor can detect the infection and help decide whether the patient needs antibiotics or other treatment. According to her, severe difficulty in breathing, bluish lips or confusion are serious symptoms and call for immediate medical help.

Dr Vaja said that to avoid pneumonia, people should stay away from tobacco smoke, go out less when pollution is high, keep their homes ventilated and keep their hands clean. She said eligible people who get vaccines against pneumococcal disease and influenza (flu) can reduce the risk of some infections that can cause pneumonia. According to her, it is important to recognise symptoms early, understand the risk factors and seek treatment in time.