Could ‘exposing your chest to cold’ cause pneumonia?

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Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs.

The air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs usually contain air but pneumonia causes the air sacs to fill up with fluid. This may cause difficulty with breathing.

People who contract pneumonia may have fever, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing or breathing becomes fast.

Pneumonia can affect anyone.

But it commonly affects young children and elderly people (>65 years).

There are people in our society who erroneously believe that exposing the chest to cold causes pneumonia.

But what actually causes pneumonia?

It’s an infection.

Pneumonia occurs when micro organisms (viruses, bacteria or fungi ) are breathed in (inhaled). These micro organisms escape the body’s natural defense mechanisms in the airways to infect the lungs causing pneumonia.

Some people are more at risk of getting pneumonia like:

• Children
• Elderly persons (>65years)
• People who smoke
• People who have diabetes
• People who drink alcohol in excess
• People with heart disease, lung disease or stroke
• People living with HIV
• People who inject 'hard' drugs.

So, could ‘exposing your chest to cold’ cause pneumonia?

No.

Exposing your chest to cold will not cause pneumonia whether it’s a child or an adult.

How is pneumonia treated?

Pneumonia could become life threatening especially if not treated early and properly.

Treatment will depend on the seriousness of the person’s condition.

A doctor will assess the person.

Those with who are not too sick may be treated with drugs and given follow up appointments while those who are very sick will be admitted in the hospital for treatment.

How do you prevent pneumonia?

• Vaccination: The most effective way to prevent pneumonia is to be vaccinated against some microorganisms that cause it
• Stop smoking and excessive use of alcohol

Which specialist treats Pneumonia?

Pulmonologists or Respiratory Physicians are specialists who treat pneumonia.