Healthcare for Pneumonia in Odisha

An Ominous Serial Killer called Pneumonia

An Ounce of Prevention is better than a Pound of Cure.
Year after year patients swarm into the clinics and hospitals of Odisha with symptoms of cough, sputum,
and fevers and chills. The waiting rooms of the hospitals resound with rather rhythmic sounds of cough,
the clamor of which is distressing. This is a regular scenario in the hospitals of Odisha as pneumonia is a
major villain here.
In a report published by the National Health Profile, it has been found that the culprit of numerous
deaths in Odisha was (is) Pneumonia. Pneumonia and acute respiratory infections have been one of the
major reasons for emergency health threats.
With a large population residing in the tribal and rural areas, one would have expected falciparum and
vivax malaria or dengue to be the major killers. Surprisingly, this is not the case. Even though there is a
large incidence of malaria and dengue in Odisha, it is pneumonia that is the major culprit.
The serious concern of this report is the mortality rate which is almost equal to viral encephalitis. As a
communicable disease, pneumonia is a serial killer which can go on a rampage. To give you a rough
estimate, there had been around 20.88 lakh patients who came to the hospitals and were diagnosed
with pneumonia (in which year?). This figure makes minions of dengue and malaria. The interesting fact
in this report was that men are more prone to this disease when compared to women. Sadly, infants are
prone to high mortalities.

Fortunately, the government and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have taken an initiative to
bring in pneumonia vaccine under the Universal Immunization Program. Though the vaccine is available
in the private sector, its availability in the public healthcare system is being considered seriously.
When we probed into the reasons of such high occurrence, we found out that lack of patient education
and awareness, lack of hygiene, and predominant tribal and rural population were major reasons. In this
blog, we would like to support the efforts of the government by spreading awareness on this disease.
What is pneumonia?
It is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. It is a cause of great concern in infants as
it can lead to mortality. Pneumonia is caused by large a number of pathogens. The most common
pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type-b, respiratory syncytial virus,
Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Pneumocystis jiroveci in HIV infected patients.
Transmission of Pneumonia
By airborne droplets of cough or sneeze.
Through blood in case of infants.
Close contact with patient with pneumonia.
Though some forms of bacterial pneumonia are not contagious, most forms of bacterial and viral
pneumonia are. The outbreaks generally occur in schools, colleges, dormitories, and other public places.
Since pneumonia can also be caused due to fungi and other chemical agents, its imperative that
preventive measures be taken.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Bacterial Pneumonia:
High Fever.
Productive Cough
Profuse Sweating.
Nausea/vomiting.
Increased Breathing.
Increased Pulse Rate.
Discoloration of lips and nails to blue.
Confusion/Delirium.

Viral Pneumonia:
Fever.
Chest pain.
Dry Cough.
Headache.
Muscle Pain.
Weakness.
Increased Cough and Breathlessness in 12 to 36 hrs.
Blueness of Lips.

If you have any of these symptoms, please contact our hospital to evaluate your condition and get
immediate treatment.
Risk Factors of Pneumonia
Smoking.
Having had Viral Infections recently.
Chronic Lung Diseases like COPD.
Having other illness like cerebral palsy, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, and diabetes.
Weakened Immune System.
Indoor/outdoor air pollution.
Living in crowded areas.
Diagnosis of Pneumonia
Detailed study of patient history.
Physical Examination.
Chest X ray.
Chest CT scan.
Sputum test.

 Pulse Oximetry Test.

Bronchoscopy.
Treatment for Pneumonia
Antibiotics.
Antiviral Drugs.
Macrolide Antibiotics.
Fluoroquinolones.
Prevention of Pneumonia
Prevention is the most important aspect of management of pneumonia. It can largely reduce mortality
especially in infants.
Immunization.
Adequate Nutrition.
Good Hygiene.
Addressing environmental issues like air pollution.
Quit Smoking.
In case of an outbreak, it is advisable to wear masks.
Wash hands with a proper sanitizer.
It is the responsibility of all of us to ensure that our state is rid from this deadly menace called
pneumonia. With personal initiatives of nutrition, hygiene, and vaccination one can prevent pneumonia.
On a broader scale, governments and NGOs need to work to spread awareness in the rural and tribal
areas.