Pneumonia Common Myths:  Pneumonia is a respiratory infection, which is caused by infection of virus, bacteria or fungus (Pneumonia Causes). In this disease, the lung tissue gets swollen and pus or fluid starts accumulating in them. Due to this, there is difficulty in breathing (Pneumonia Symotoms). In many cases, pneumonia can also prove to be fatal. Therefore, for the correct treatment of this disease (Pneumonia Treatments), it is important to have the right information related to it. There are many myths related to pneumonia prevalent among the people, which can prove to be dangerous. Therefore, Dr. Neeraj Gupta (Associate Director of Pulmonary, Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Gurugram) has refuted some common myths related to pneumonia. Let's know about them.

Myth-1 Pneumonia occurs only in the elderly.

Truth- It is true that the elderly are at a higher risk of pneumonia, but this infection can happen to anyone of any age. Be it a child, an adult or an elderly. A person who is exposed to pollutants and infections can easily get pneumonia. Also, the risk of pneumonia increases in people who have a weak immune system or who are already sick. However, children below 5 years of age and the elderly are at a higher risk because their immune system is weak. Therefore, they need to be taken more care of.

Myth-2 Pneumonia is just a severe form of cold.

Truth- Pneumonia is much more serious and dangerous than common cold and flu. Although some of its symptoms are similar to these, such as cough, phlegm, fever, but it causes infection in the lungs, due to which it can prove to be dangerous. Due to infection, problems like difficulty in breathing, low oxygen level can occur. Therefore, if pneumonia is not treated on time, life-threatening conditions like sepsis or respiratory failure can also arise. Therefore, if symptoms like chest pain, persistent cough, phlegm, fever and difficulty in breathing are seen, then contact the doctor immediately.

Myth-3 Antibiotics are always effective against pneumonia.

Truth- Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, virus or fungus. Therefore, antibiotics are effective only against bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics are not effective in viral or fungal pneumonia. Therefore, doctors give medicines according to the type of pneumonia.

Myth-4 If you have pneumonia once, you will not get it again.

Truth- Pneumonia is different from other diseases. Immunity does not develop after recovery. Therefore, there is a risk of getting pneumonia again. Especially if the second pneumonia is caused by some other pathogen. Apart from this, it is also worth noting that the pneumonia vaccine, immunococcal vaccine, only reduces the risk of some types of bacterial infections . However, it does not provide complete protection. Therefore, annual flu shots, proper hygiene and regular hand washing are necessary to reduce the risk of pneumonia.

Myth-5 Pneumonia occurs only to people who smoke.

Truth- Smoking damages the lungs and can also weaken the immune system . This increases the risk of pneumonia, but non-smokers can also get pneumonia. Pneumonia can also be caused by any disease, weak immune system, any respiratory condition, pollution or second hand smoke. Therefore, smoking is a risk factor for this infection, but it is not true that only smokers get pneumonia.

Myth-6 Pneumonia always requires hospital care.

Truth- Actually, in some cases pneumonia can be cured at home. It can be cured at home by taking complete rest, taking the right fluids and with the help of medicines. However, if an elderly person, child, or any sick person gets this infection, they may need to go to the hospital. Therefore, in case of pneumonia, it is important to see a doctor first and follow his advice.