What Makes Pneumonia A Vital Threat?

Pneumonia, which results in the inflammation of the lungs, has affected human beings from a very early period in history. Though it is true that Pneumonia can no longer kill at the rates that used to be associated with it, it still manages to take around 4 million deaths worldwide, every year. Antibiotics and vaccines, which came around in the 20^th century, played a vital role in curbing the menace of Pneumonia. But the developing countries still see very high rates of mortality among Pneumonia patients.

People with weak immune systems, especially small children and the aged, are most vulnerable if hit by Pneumonia. The reasons why Pneumonia takes a terminal swing in case of small children and the aged are their underdeveloped or weakened immune systems respectively. It is especially dangerous, as in these two cases, Pneumonia usually accompanies other illnesses like cough, cold, asthma, diabetes, etc., thereby complicating the situation further. Additionally, the treatment of Pneumonia depends on the type of infection responsible. On the lines of infection, Pneumonia can be classified into Bacterial Pneumonia, Viral Pneumonia, and Mycoplasma Pneumonia.

Although Pneumonia can be detected by Lung Tests, Chest X-rays, and blood tests, etc., it is very easy to confuse Pneumonia with common cough and cold. Thus, it is very important to ensure a visit to a reputed Respiratory Doctor if any difficulties are encountered while breathing. Make sure that the Chest Clinic you are visiting also has the requisite resources and facilities to ensure the prevention of Pneumonia along with the cure. Programs aiding the quitting of smoking and other such facilities will go a long way in keeping you and your family safe from the threat of Pneumonia.    

How to Prevent Lung Diseases?

Lung Diseases are very often fatal diseases. The lungs are important parts of our vital organ systems. They are responsible for the most primary need to sustain life – breathing. Lungs provide the surface area which is required for the exchange between oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood stream. Thus, it goes without saying that taking care of your lungs is important for a long and healthy life.

Unfortunately, modern lifestyle is not exactly sympathetic to the lungs. With vices like smoking, and an environment full of toxic fumes, most of what goes inside the lungs is not what’s meant for it. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of utmost importance. Stay away from tobacco in any form and those, who are already habituated smokers, need to start their steps towards quitting. Though it is not a very easy task to free your lungs from tobacco smoke once you have tagged yourself a chain smoker, it is a necessary pain to go through when you consider the number of fatal diseases associated with tobacco. According to WebMD, the use of tobacco is responsible for 90% of the total cases of Lung Cancer. It is further estimated, that among every 7 smokers who consume 2 or more packets daily, 1 will die of Lung Cancer.

Carbon monoxide and other toxic gases released into the air by the vehicles and industries are the other major causes of Lung Diseases. Such areas should be avoided when possible and adequate protection should be taken otherwise. We can also contribute to a pollution free environment by using non-polluting vehicles, pooling cars and taking other environment friendly steps.

Regular checkups of the lungs and the respiratory system should feature in your tasks to do. Some of the Lung Diseases like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) can go undetected before they take a severe form. Top clinics like Respiratory & Sleep Specialists, with a Top Lung Specialist like Dr. Himanshu Garg, provide easy access to such Lung Tests and the necessary treatment if diagnosed with a Lung Disease. Take care of your lungs – Yes you get 2, but you mostly get them only once!