How has COVID affected the chances of getting pneumonia?

COVID has put severe risk to human health. From heart to brain the aftermath of COVID infection is affecting each and every organ. Two years after the pandemic, health experts and researchers are working hard to understand the course of action of the virus and why every body organ is susceptible to it.

COVID or dengue: How to differentiate common symptoms like fever, chills and body ache

COVID is seen closely with other respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and flu. With growing concerns around COVID, it is necessary to understand how much COVID increases the risk for other respiratory issues and how to mitigate this risk.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines pneumonia as an acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. It is the biggest cause of death in kids. "Pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide. Pneumonia killed 740 180 children under the age of 5 in 2019, accounting for 14% of all deaths of children under five years old but 22% of all deaths in children aged 1 to 5," the WHO says.

It is a severe infection among adults too. The symptoms get worse in older people.

It is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type B, and respiratory syncytial virus mostly.

Yes, say the doctors.

These days, when a patient comes to us with chest symptoms like cough, shortness of breath or anything related to that, we ask about the COVID history; this has become one of the important and routine questions, says Dr.Rajiv Dang, Senior Director and HOD - Internal Medicine and Medical Director, Max Hospital Gurugram.

This is because there have been cases of patients with severe COVID and therefore some kind of fibrotic bands or restriction to the functioning of lungs has come into play, he adds. Occasionally patients may be on long term inhaled steroids also.

In this line, Dr Manoj Singh, Senior Chest & Critical Care Specialist, Apollo Hospitals, Ahmedabad says "Those who already had risk factors, developed COVID Pneumonia and recovery from this insult was not smooth in all patients. In view of this season change and the fact that many people are still susceptible to those risk factors, you are at risk of getting viral or bacterial pneumonia."

On the severity of pneumonia, Dr Jayalakshmi TK, Consultant, Pulmonology, Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai says it can affect anyone more severely who has a lowered immunity because of diabetes or immune suppressing medications or other reasons. COVID itself can reduce immunity and hence can increase the chances of getting pneumonia. "This season we are seeing a huge spike of patients with bronchitis and asthma exacerbations. Winter is usually a time of respiratory infections and community acquired pneumonias," she adds.

Yes, says Dr Dang and explains: So if people who had COVID pneumonia or severe COVID in the past develop chest infection or pneumonia certainly the symptoms are likely to be a little more and therefore a full blown prescription in the form of antibiotics, steroids and inhalers may be required.

The cough and the phlegm clearance can take a little more time and it is expected that most of these patients will recover, maybe the time required for them may be longer.

In view of the risks involved in pneumonia, it is extremely important to understand the symptoms so that timely medical help is provided to the patient. The following are the symptoms of pneumonia:

• Bluish color to lips and fingernails

• A state of delirium or confusion; this symptom is commonly seen in people who are older in age

• Cough with greenish, yellowish and even sometimes bloody mucus

• High fever

• Heavy sweating

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue and low energy

• Rapid breathing

• Rapid pulse rate

• Chills

• Sharp or stabbing pain in the chest; this increases during coughing

• Shortness of breath that affects the daily activity of the person

Apart from pneumonia, COVID affects the lungs in several other ways like acute respiratory distress syndrome, bronchitis and sepsis. The infection damages the walls and linings of the alveoli or the air sacs of the lungs.

The severity of lung complications increases with the chronic health conditions of the person. Those already with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart disease are more at risk of developing lung complications during a COVID infection.

The number of variants and sub variants of coronavirus keeps on growing with every variant/ sub variant getting stronger and better in escaping the immunity.

In order to keep the lungs in function, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Keep away from smoking, wear masks whenever you are stepping out, use air purifiers if pollution level is high, keep the rooms properly ventilated and exercise regularly in order to keep the lungs healthy.