Rising pneumonia concerns in Mumbai
Parthiv Shah
On World Pneumonia Day 2025, observed every year on November 12, health experts are calling for renewed focus on pneumonia prevention and treatment. Despite being preventable and treatable, it continues to take millions of lives worldwide, especially among children under five and elderly populations. This year’s theme reinforces the power of vaccination, hygiene, and timely medical care to save lives. Globally, pneumonia remains the leading infectious cause of death in children under five, responsible for about 14 per cent of all child deaths.
In India, the situation remains a pressing concern. As per UNICEF and National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) data, pneumonia causes nearly one in six child deaths nationwide. India contributes to approximately 23% of global pneumonia deaths in children under five, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and preventive action.
Prevention and early detection is very important. Pneumonia is often confused with common respiratory infections in its early stages. The key to saving lives lies in early diagnosis and timely medical care. Vaccination, balanced nutrition, and maintaining good hygiene — such as regular handwashing — are the simplest and most effective preventive steps. Parents should ensure their children receive pneumococcal and influenza vaccines as recommended.
Risks Exist Beyond Childhood
Pneumonia poses serious risks beyond childhood. Adults with chronic lung diseases, heart conditions, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are highly vulnerable and should seek medical advice promptly if they experience persistent cough, fever, or difficulty breathing. Apex Group of Hospitals continues its commitment to community health through respiratory awareness drives, vaccination programs, and preventive education. On this World Pneumonia Day, citizens are urged to stay alert, get vaccinated, and act early — because every breath truly matters.
Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) of one or both lungs, often leading them to fill with fluid or pus. This condition can result from bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, and typically presents with symptoms such as persistent cough, high fever, chills, chest pain, and shortness of breath. The severity of pneumonia varies depending on factors such as the infecting organism, the patient’s age, immune status, and existing medical conditions. While most healthy individuals recover with timely treatment, pneumonia can become life-threatening in infants, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses.
In urban centers like Mumbai, pneumonia cases are often more prevalent due to a combination of environmental, social, and health-related factors. The city’s high population density facilitates faster transmission of infectious agents, especially in crowded residential areas and public transport systems.
Dr. Parthiv Shah is Consultant Chest Physician,
Apex Group of Hospitals
