Pneumonia: You all must be aware of the problem of pneumonia. Mostly this is seen in small children. Perhaps you too have gone through this in your childhood. It is a serious respiratory disease which remains the leading infectious cause of death in children under five years of age. But this can happen to people of any age. Especially the one with weak immunity. People often have a question as to how a normal cold and cough takes the form of pneumonia. Information about this is being given by DrNeetu Jain, Senior consultant pulmonology critical care and sleep medicine, PSRI Hospital.

How does a normal cold and cough become pneumonia?

According to experts, cough occurs due to changes in weather, viral infection, and allergy to dust and soil. If this cough persists for more than 1 week, it turns into pneumonia. There is one respiratory tract which starts from the nose and reaches the lungs. If an infection remains in the nasal track and is not treated, then that infection travels through the nasal track and reaches the lungs. People whose immunity is weak start getting infections in their lungs. Viruses, bacteria and fungi cause inflammation in the lungs. The air sacs in the lungs get filled with pus and breathing becomes difficult.

Many times people mistake it for the common cold and flu. Due to not getting timely treatment, the victim loses his life. In such a situation, it is important that whenever someone complains of a cold and cough, he should immediately go to the doctor after identifying the symptoms.

Symptoms of pneumonia

  • Breathing becomes fast in pneumonia
  • Having trouble breathing
  • Wheezing sound while breathing
  • Coughing with phlegm or phlegm
  • The colour of phlegm is yellow; sometimes there may be splashes of blood.
  • There is pain in the ribs or chest.
  • Fever comes with a severe cold.
  • nausea

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