Debunking the Cold Myth: What Really Causes Pneumonia...

Good morning everyone,
Pneumonia! One of the few illnesses that has got a straightforward treatment when the patient presents early, but one surrounded by widespread misconceptions. One of the biggest myths ever; That Cold directly causes pneumonia.

I really don't know who started this rumour or how it came to be so popular and widespread, but I give him the credit for one thing.....
He created one of the most convincing misinformation campaigns in history; a great display of advertising skill😂.

Source

Many people still think what causes pneumonia is cold, sleeping shirtless or sleeping on cold tiles and the likes of them, however, scientifically speaking with facts, it's a lie.

WHAT THEN CAUSES PNEUMONIA?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or other microorganisms.

When I was taught this in medical school, I kept on asking myself where the popular notion of cold causing pneumonia came from, but couldn't get answers. It wasn't until my final year, when I finally asked one of my consultant pulmonologist since I was opportuned to be posted in the unit.

He reiterated that the cause of pneumonia was never cold however the notion got popular because of few indirect links pneumonia has with cold and because of unadvanced scientific knowledge in old times, it was concluded to be caused by cold...

These indirect links includes:

• Overcrowding During Cold Weather:

Cold weather causes increased close contact in an act to provide warmth for one another making people gather indoors for longer hours whereas on the other hand thriving pneumonia since it's one of the biggest risk factor for the spread of pneumonia.

• The Winter Predominance:

Pneumonia is always more prevalent during the winter seasons because of the thriving viruses such as flu and other respiratory viruses which affects the respiratory tract and weakens immune system; further paving way for other infections to invade the lungs causing pneumonia.

• Have you ever heard of "Catching Your Death of Cold"?

That's also a way of warning people about covering themselves up during cold weather hence, they catch pneumonia and I think this particular saying further promotes this false notion.

These are the iota of truth in the popular notion, however, it is never a direct cause.

NOW LET'S GET TO THE SCIENCE OF PNEUMONIA

I already defined and told you the causative organisms.

Here are some of the common signs and symptoms you might notice:

High grade fever
Respiratory distress
Productive Cough
Chest pain that worsens on coughing
Chills and Rigors e.t.c

However, there are some key determinants we look out for when patients present to know how best the management of the patient will be:

CURB-65

• Confusion
• Urea level greater than 7mmol
• Respiratory rate greater than 30breaths per minute
• Blood pressure of 60/90mmhg
• 65years of age

These criteria are scored and based on the score determines how a patient should be managed...

For score 1, managing the patient outpatient is totally fine.

For score 2, the patient may be admitted

For scores 3-5, strongly advise for inpatient management with Intensive Care Unit consideration for scores 4 and 5.

That's it, I hope you learnt something new?

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Make way to the hospital whenever you are facing any Health challenges, self medication has never helped anyone.
Remember, Health Is Wealth!

For further readings

• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4471-pneumonia

Thanks for reading and have a nice day 👍

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