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Mysterious Pneumonia Outbreak In China: The recent outbreak of mysterious Pneumonia in China has raised health concerns worldwide. The outbreak was first reported in Northern China, with the majority of cases including children. The Chinese authorities from the National Health Commission, on November 13, held a press conference on increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases in the country.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Eric Liang Feigl-Ding, an American public health scientist said, “Undiagnosed pneumonia outbreak- An emerging large outbreak of pneumonia in China, with paediatric hospitals in Beijing, Liaoning overwhelmed with sick children, & many schools suspended. Beijing Children's Hospital overflowing.”

The outbreak has alarmed the World Health Organization (WHO). According to WHO, on 21 November, media and ProMED reported clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children in northern China. It is unclear if these are associated with the overall increase in respiratory infections previously reported by Chinese authorities or separate events. The Global Health Agency also reported that since mid-October, China has reported a surge in cases of influenza-like illness compared to the same period in the previous three years.

Pneumonia: Causes And Symptoms

According to John Hopkins Medicine, Pneumonia is an infection of one or both of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is a serious infection in which the air sacs fill with pus and other liquid. While anyone can get affected by pneumonia, adults ages 65 and older, children younger than age 2, people with certain medical conditions and people who smoke are at higher risk.

Dr Mala Kaneria, Consultant, Infectious Diseases- Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai explains that smoking causes structural changes in the respiratory tract which predisposes to infections. Additionally, smoking decreases the immune response which is important in fighting off the infection. An example of this is a defective mucociliary clearance which impairs the clearing of organisms, thus leading to infection.

Some common symptoms of pneumonia include bluish colour to lips and fingernails, confused mental state or delirium, especially in older people, cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus, fever, heavy sweating, loss of appetite, low energy and extreme tiredness, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, shaking chills, sharp or stabbing chest pain that’s worse with deep breathing or coughing and shortness of breath that gets worse with activity among many others.

Tips To Prevent Pneumonia

Dr. Mala Kaneria, Consultant, Infectious Diseases- Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai says that quitting smoking during an active respiratory infection can actually decrease the incidence of complications. Smoking is also an important precursor to the causation of tuberculosis which is a huge burden in our country. Passive or second-hand smoke is known to contribute to infection in children. Hence, cessation of smoking is an important factor in preventing lung infections like pneumonia, along with vaccinations and masking up against pollution.

Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers to kill germs. Indulge in regular physical activity along with a healthy diet plan. NIH recommends eating smaller meals of thickened food and sleeping with the head of your bed raised. These steps can help you avoid getting food, drink, or saliva into your lungs.

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