Pneumonia Therapeutics: Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Procedures

Pneumonia is currently the most frequently detected contagious disease worldwide. Developed countries are experiencing a huge socioeconomic burden. Reports have found that pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children. Every year, almost 15% of all deaths of children under the age of 5?years occurred by the disease.

However, 14–35% of all hospitalized community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients die, depending on age and comorbidities despite proper antibiotic treatment is given. This confirms the need for the development of adjuvant therapeutic strategies in the earliest. Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) remains the most frequent cause of pneumonia.

Some Basic Information

1. Symptoms of Pneumonia range from mild, uncomplicated with atypical infections to fulminant and life-threatening. Hospital-acquired pneumonia is particularly life-threatening.
2. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are the main causes of pneumonia. These foreign microbes cause an inflammatory response filling the bronchioles and alveoli with fluid and become solid.
3. Pneumonia is a common disease and at the same time a potentially serious contagious disease.
4. Pneumonia can be prevented by maintaining proper diet, keeping immunity strong, and proper nutrition.

Causes of Pneumonia

There are various ways pneumonia can transmit. For example:

• The viruses and bacteria usually present in a child's nose or throat can infect the lungs if they are inhaled.
• Air-borne droplets from a cough or sneeze can also cause pneumonia. Social distancing measures are helpful in stopping the spread of this disease.
• During and shortly after the birth, the child may get infected to pneumonia through blood.

Treatment and Prevention

• Patients suffering from pneumonia need careful attention.
• Outside oxygen support might be necessary so that good blood saturations are maintained. Assisted ventilation may be required for old-age patients.
• Empirical antibiotics are given according to the type of pneumonia. Length of the ongoing therapy is determined by clinical response.
• Pain control and intravenous fluids are often required for emergency cases.
• Chest physiotherapy also works for some critical patients.
• The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for the elderly, patients with acute chronic disease and immuno-suppressed.

Impact of COVID-19 on the Pneumonia Therapeutic Market

The coronavirus outbreak has proved to be more fatal for the vulnerable population, especially younger children. Countries that were already experiencing havoc of pneumonia, with the emergence of COVID-19 and underdeveloped health systems, witnessing a catastrophic time of rising mortality.

Pneumonia caused by the new coronavirus is way more fatal. This is the most severe form of COVID-19, mostly among the elderly patients or the ones with underlying or pre-existing condition.

Leading players of the global market of pneumonia therapeutics are developing newer solutions to prevent and treat the disease. 

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.