What is Pneumonia, Symptoms and risk factors

Any sneeze, cough or respiratory symptoms reported from China are quarantined. Not only because of the uncertainty generated by its lack of transparency, but also because four years ago it all started like this. Atypical pneumonia is behind a large number of cases, this time in children. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) asks China to clarify the situation.

Since mid-October, northern China has reported an increase in flu-like illnesses compared to the same period in the previous three years. On November 21, the situation worsened and the situation reached the media. In addition, the ProMED system reports on outbreaks of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China.

According to the WHO, its origin is not clear. And explanations are requested as to whether these are cases related to the general increase in respiratory infections previously reported by the Chinese authorities or whether they are independent episodes. As stated in a statement, the international organization has officially requested detailed information from China about this increase in respiratory diseases and outbreaks of childhood pneumonia.

What is Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a common yet potentially dangerous infection that affects the lungs. It causes inflammation in the air sacs, also known as alveoli, of one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to a range of symptoms including cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

Symptoms of pneumonia

The symptoms of pneumonia can vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and the individual’s age and overall health. Common symptoms include a cough that may produce phlegm, fever, sweating or chills, shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing, fatigue, and nausea or vomiting.

• Cough with mucus or phlegm
• High-grade fever with chills
• Fast breathing and shortness of breath
• Chest pain while coughing
• Fast heartbeat
• Feeling very tired or very weak
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Loss of appetite and body pain
• In severe cases, patients may cough up blood or show cyanosis (a blue color around the mouth due to lack of oxygen).
• Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or mycoplasma1. Bacterial and viral pneumonia spread through inhalation of airborne droplets by coughing or sneezing.

Risk factors for pneumonia

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing pneumonia. Risk factors for pneumonia encompass being younger than 2 years old or older than 65, hospitalization (especially in an intensive care unit), chronic diseases such as asthma or heart disease, smoking, and a weakened immune system. This weakening can result from conditions like HIV/AIDS or treatments such as chemotherapy.

• Age: Children below 2 years and adults above 65 years are most vulnerable
• Being hospitalized in an intensive care unit and if on support of a ventilator for a prolonged period
• Lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Smoking
• Having a weak immune system due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or having undergone organ transplants1.
• If untreated, pneumonia can lead to serious complications, such as bacteremia (infection that spreads to the bloodstream), lung abscesses (pus formation in the lung cavities), impaired breathing, acute respiratory distress syndrome (a severe form of respiratory infection), and pleural effusion (fluid build-up in the tissue that lines the lungs).

Understanding Pneumonia Pneumonia can be caused by various microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most common type of pneumonia is bacterial pneumonia, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Viral pneumonia, often caused by the influenza virus, is also common.

Complications If left untreated, pneumonia can lead to serious complications. These can include respiratory failure, sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and lung abscesses.

Prevention and Treatment Prevention strategies include vaccination, good hygiene practices, and a healthy lifestyle. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, rest, and plenty of fluids.

Is there global risk now?

Experts agree that if a known pathogen is causing pneumonia in China, the global risk should not be high. One expert specifically stated, “We have too little information at this time to assess the global risk. If a risk exists, it’s likely to be low. The actions of the WHO, which include requesting information and recommending general measures for controlling respiratory infections, seem appropriate in this context.”

Dr. Sonia Zúñiga, from the CNB-CSIC coronavirus laboratory, appreciates that “the scientific community is conducting more thorough monitoring due to the experience gained during the pandemic.” She believes the WHO’s statement “is timely and accurate in the information it requests.”

Zúñiga also acknowledges that with the first winter without restrictions in China approaching, “we will generally see an increase in all respiratory infections caused by viruses and bacteria.”

What is China doing?

China today urged the strengthening of primary care and enhanced coordination between hospitals to address the rising cases of respiratory infections. An official from the National Health Commission, as cited by the official Xinhua agency, outlined a series of measures aimed at improving the diagnostic and treatment capabilities of common respiratory infections in community health centers and hospitals. Additionally, efforts are underway to facilitate the identification and referral of severe cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested further epidemiological and clinical information, along with laboratory results, regarding the reported outbreaks among children. China is expected to respond to the WHO's inquiry within 24 hours, following the International Health Regulations. The Chinese delegation to the WHO emphasized that requesting information on the surge in respiratory diseases from member states is a routine procedure.

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