There has been an increase in the number of hospitalizations due to pneumonia cases, mostly related to high AQI (air quality index). Air pollution is at severe levels in Delhi and surrounding areas, resulting in increasing cases of respiratory problems.

According to Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, “There has been an unusual increase in emergency admissions, even among young patients, mainly due to respiratory problems like pneumonia.”

Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs in one or both lungs to swell. Due to this, this sac fills with fluid or pus, causing symptoms like cough, fever and difficulty in breathing.

It may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and can range from mild to severe, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Dr. Mittal said most patients are experiencing “walking pneumonia” or atypical pneumonia, where X-rays show fluid-filled air sacs in the lungs, but the patients are not seriously ill.

“We are also seeing an increase in cases of ‘silent’ pneumonia, where patients have to be admitted to the ICU (intensive care unit) for severe chest infections. Many people are experiencing upper respiratory symptoms, such as runny nose, Itching in the nose and throat, without fever,” Dr Mittal told IndiaToday.in.

While it’s not clear whether pollution is the primary cause, it is unusual to see so many cases of pneumonia at this time of year, Dr. Mittal said.

While air pollution is known to have a serious impact on respiratory health, this apparent increase in pneumonia cases should not be ignored. There is an association between PM2.5, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone with pneumonia hospital admissions among COPD patients, according to a 2022 study in BMC Respiratory Health.

The expert said that even young, healthy individuals can be affected by poor air quality and develop respiratory infections.

Dr. Kavitha Vijayakumar, AVP and Lab Operations, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd., Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Individuals should also be wary of hypersensitivity pneumonitis, which is a type of allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lungs and often leads to irreversible lung damage. Causes.

This occurs during the pollination season, which is further enhanced by dust mites, mold and bird droppings.

One of the ways to protect yourself is by using air purifiers, avoiding allergens, and wearing an N95 or N99 mask when going out. Experts recommend staying hydrated, eating nutritious food and getting well-rested.