The Covid-19 pandemic has made a lot of people take care of their health now more than ever before. It doesn`t get easier because the current air pollution in Mumbai makes it difficult to breathe for many people, and worse for those suffering from asthma and other respiratory diseases and lung infections like pneumonia. The fact that there are some similarities between Covid, and pneumonia makes it even more necessary for people to take care of their health.

Every year, November 12 is observed as World Pneumonia Day. It was first observed in 2009 and has been annually marked to raise awareness about respiratory infection and provide additional adequate information necessary to prevent it. While also occurring in other months, health experts say that the incidence of pneumonia is higher during the colder months. Some of the most obvious symptoms are cough and fever, along with fatigue. However, people shouldn’t take it for granted and immediately visit the doctor as it could lead to further complications. While it is known to affect children, it also affects adults, and that is why people of all age groups should beware of the infection.

With the winter season here, mid-day.com spoke to Dr Kamlesh Pandey, consultant chest physician at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mira Road and Dr Vrushali Bichkar, consultant paediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospital in Pune. Pandey and Bichkar not only share the causes of the pneumonia, but also the signs and symptoms that people need to look out for, especially during the cold months to deal with the disease in a timely manner.

What is Pneumonia and how is it caused? 

Pandey: Pneumonia occurs when the person’s lungs get inflamed (swollen) because of germs like bacteria, viruses or fungi. Germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi can settle in the lungs when they are inhaled from the air or when they travel from other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Factors such as a weakened immune system, smoking, pre-existing respiratory conditions, and close contact with infected individuals can increase the likelihood of germs settling in the lungs.