EIGHT THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA

Every year on November 12, it is observed as world pneumonia day to remind people that we need to diagnose and treat this disease at the earliest to reduce suffering and_ death. Although pneumonia originates from the respiratory system it can cause multi organ dysfunction.

DR. PADMA SUNDARAM. MD, DNB CONSULTANT PULMONOLOGIST

FORTIS HOSPITAL, Richmond Road, BENGALURU

1) Pneumonia is primarily an infection of the lung, caused by either bacteria, viruses or fungi. Bacterial pneumonia is more common and occurs following a viral infection. The process starts with inflammation, which causes outpouring of fluid into the lungs and later pus formation. It can affect one or more lobes of the lung or can be bilateral. Bacterial pneumonia tends to be more severe.

2) Incidence: The peak is usually in winters due to dip in temperature, indoor crowding which allows the increase in bacterial infections. It is more common in the elderly, diabetics, those with underlying respiratory, cardiac, kidney or hepatic diseases and in cancer patients or those on chemotherapy.