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World Pneumonia Day 2023: Every year, the global health campaign of World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12 to spread awareness about pneumonia, an infectious disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia accounts for 14% of all deaths of children under 5 years old, killing 740,180 children in 2019.

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. This disease is caused by several infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Mala Kaneria, Consultant, Infectious Diseases- Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai explained how cigarette smoking can be one of the strongest risk factors for pneumonia.

Watch the video below about how smoking affects one's heart health: 

How Cigarette Smoking Causes Pneumonia? 

According to Dr Kaneria, smoking is traditionally known to be an important risk factor for cancer, heart disease and chronic lung disease. However, smoking also has an important association with infectious diseases. It substantially increases the risk of both bacterial and viral lung infections.

ALSO READ: World Pneumonia Day 2023: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors And Treatment Of This Infectious Disease

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.

Dr Kaneria said that there is evidence 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 smoking 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.

ALSO READ: World Pneumonia Day 2022: 6 Nutrient-Rich Foods That Aid Fast Recovery From Pneumonia

World Pneumonia Day is an annual campaign that stresses the importance of spreading awareness about the risk factors, causes, symptoms and treatment of this infection. However, the theme for World Pneumonia Day 2023 is yet to be released.

 

(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)

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