40% rise in viral pneumonia among kids in Mumbai

With temperatures see-sawing over the last few days, paediatricians in the city say there has been an alarming rise in viral pneumonia cases among children. Mycoplasma, the bacteria which causes viral pneumonia, has been creating havoc this season. Paediatricians say this air borne germ is laying children low with fever, breathlessness and cough.

“Among winter related ailments, there has been a 40% rise in viral pneumonia cases this month. We are getting patients with both the types of pneumonia — the viral and normal. We suspect that mycoplasma is in the air. Parents need to be very careful, since if it not treated on time, it can lead to complications, and even death,” said Dr Vijay Yewale, convenor of the immunisation committee of Indian Academy of Paediatricians.

Though pneumonia is a common winter ailment, according to the doctors, it is the deadlier viral pneumonia which is creating problems. “We are noticing an increasing number of mycoplasma related pneumonia cases. As this bacteria is difficult to detect, we are treating patients based on clinical symptoms. It is an airborne disease and people should take enough precautions so that their children don’t contract it,” said Dr Indu Khosla, senior paediatrician.

The dip in temperatures, combined with exposure to dust and pollutants, mainly lead and mercury, is a deadly concoction. “Parents should give their children nutritious food and ensure they wash their hands before eating. Consuming carrots and drumsticks can help,” added Dr Khosla.

Dr Asha Pherwani, who also specialises in asthma and allergic treatments, said, “We have treated over 100 children with asthma in the last one-and-a-half month. An increasing number of young children are coming to us with complaints of asthma and breathlessness.”

Apart from viral pneumonia, diarrohea and viral dysentery are also affecting kids. “The two bacterium causing pneumonia and dysentery — Hib influenza type B and pneumococcus — are on the prowl. Many children are also being hospitalised,” said Dr Yewale.

Consumption of junk food, contaminated food products, especially stale milk products, only add to the problem, as they significantly lower the immunity level of children to combat infections.