HYDERABAD: Pneumonia can become life-threatening if its symptoms are ignored, particularly in young children and older people, senior homeopathic physician Dr G. Durgaprasad Rao has cautioned. He stressed the need for public awareness, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications.
Speaking at an awareness programme organised by Nitya Homoeopathy Centre ahead of World Pneumonia Day on November 12, Dr Rao said pneumonia is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It can lead to serious complications, especially in people with chronic health conditions.
He urged people to watch for symptoms such as cough, fever, difficulty in breathing, chest pain and fatigue. Timely tests and appropriate treatment are important, he said, adding that neglecting symptoms could put a patient’s life at risk. With prompt medical care, recovery is possible.
Dr Rao also encouraged people to take part in awareness campaigns under the Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully (SAANS) initiative, led by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Public awareness, along with advances in vaccines, diagnostic tools and treatment, can help prevent and control the infection, he said.
He highlighted the importance of proper nutrition, preventive measures and timely medical care, particularly for children, older people and those with chronic illnesses.
Dr Satish C. Reddy, senior consultant in clinical and interventional pulmonology at a private hospital, said a cough or fever could sometimes be an early sign of pneumonia. Older adults may not always develop a fever and could instead experience weakness, confusion, loss of appetite or rapid breathing.
He advised people not to ignore breathlessness, chest pain or rapid breathing, and cautioned against taking antibiotics without medical advice. Depending on the patient’s condition, doctors may recommend a chest X-ray, blood tests and oxygen saturation monitoring.
Vaccination, good personal hygiene, proper nutrition, avoiding smoking and reducing exposure to air pollution can help lower the risk of respiratory infections, he said.
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