Bronchitis, pneumonia cases on the rise, say doctors
More than five of 10 patients who show up at a hospital are being diagnosed with bronchitis and nearly one in 10 patients is diagnosed with pneumonia, according to healthcare specialists across the UAE.
“I see a surge in the cases of acute bronchitis in my OPD and pneumonia cases recently,” said Dr Raiza Hameed KH, specialist pulmonology, Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai.
“Now, 50-60 per cent of patients visiting chest OPD suffer from acute bronchitis and 10 per cent of cases are pneumonia. Asthma and COPD patients also come with worsening symptoms nowadays. Dubai Health Authority has also alerted physicians regarding an increase in influenza and acute bronchitis [cases] lately,” he added.
At Burjeel Hospital, Abu Dhabi, the doctors have recorded at least six patients with bronchitis and pneumonia over the last month.
Healthcare specialists attribute this rise to the sudden weather fluctuations. Climate variations lead to respiratory infections and acute bronchitis, triggering exacerbations in asthma and COPD patients.
“The rise in the infections can be attributed to increased travel, spring vacations, lack of influenza vaccination and public gatherings,” said Dr Rania Zein Eldien, respiratory specialist at Burjeel Hospital.
“The poor air quality lately has led to many people getting cough which lasts for 3-4 weeks. Smoking or vaping worsens the cough in acute bronchitis which makes the treatment more difficult,” Dr Eldin said.
According to doctors, bronchitis is the inflammation of airways or windpipes and can happen after a viral infection most commonly, triggered by weather fluctuations and irritant exposure.
The symptoms of bronchitis, according to Dr Hameed are: >> Cough
>> Chest tightness
>> Mucus production
>> Wheezing
“Chronic bronchitis is seen in smokers, asthma, and COPD patients,” he added.
Pneumonia is caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, or fungi and the risk is increased in the elderly (above 65 years), those with chronic illness and other co-morbidities, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and poor immunity. The disease can lead to respiratory failure and even death in severe cases.
Pneumonia is the infection of one or both lung parenchyma by a bacteria, virus, or fungi. “The symptoms of pneumonia are fever, cough, chest pain, mucus production, difficulty in breathing and lethargy. Pneumonia can be serious and should be treated with caution.
“Typically, they start with flulike symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, fever, body pain, and fatigue, which persist longer than usual. Additional symptoms include a prolonged cough, abnormal-coloured mucus, chest tightness, abnormal breathing and chest pain,” Dr Eldin said.
According to Dr Eldin, “the illness is often contracted by coming into contact with sick patients without taking proper precautions.”
“Pneumonia is not contagious, but bacteria or viruses that cause the disease can be contagious. It can cause flu or pneumonia in other people depending on the person’s immunity level,” Dr Hameed said.
Healthcare specialists said that bronchitis is not contagious but the microorganisms that cause it are contagious.
They said pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations can help check the diseases.
Other preventive measures are: >> Avoid going out during the day of weather fluctuations
>> Adequate layering of clothes to avoid wind and cold exposure
>> Wear a mask if you are going to crowded areas
>> Smoking cessation
>> In case of cough and cold, do not delay in getting your treatment
>> In case you have symptoms, avoid close contact and sharing things with other people
>> A healthy diet and lifestyle always help to keep infections away
>> Avoiding contact with sick individuals
>> Practising respiratory hygiene
>> Correcting any vitamin deficiencies