Pneumonia And Antimicrobial Resistance: Know All About The Growing Threat

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern for all infections, and respiratory infections and pneumonias are no exception.

The Threat From Antimicrobial Resistance

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Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern for all infections, and respiratory infections and pneumonias are no exception. According to Dr. Lancelot Pinto, who is a Consultant Respirologist, at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and medical research centre, "India has one of the highest rates of fluoroquinolone resistance in patients with multidrug resistant tuberculosis, and this has been attributed to the indiscriminate use of these valuable drugs for respiratory symptoms."

Talking further about antimicrobial resistance, Dr Nana Kunjir, who is a Consultant pulmonologist and intensivist, at Sahyadri super speciality hospital, Hadapsar, Pune said, "Infections caused by resistant microbes not only limit therapeutic options but also lead to treatment failure, resulting in prolonged illness, increased community infections, and heightened healthcare burden."

"Distinguishing Viral and Bacterial Pneumonia is challenging, as clinical presentation of both are quite similar. Viral pneumonia is mostly associated with symptoms such as rhinitis, body pain, and gastrointestinal issues, and insidious in onset with bilateral lung signs. Bacterial pneumonia is mostly acute in onset, with high temperature, with unilateral lung sings and elevated serum procalcitonin levels. Misuse of antibiotics during pneumonia treatment contributes to AMR, as inappropriate prescription, dosage, and duration lead to microbial resistance. Proper antibiotic selection, considering patient history, prevalent pathogens, and sensitivity reports, is crucial. National guidelines and hospital protocols should guide antibiotic usage, emphasizing optimization based on local antibiograms," he added.

Lastly, Dr Anirban Sarkar who is a Consultant Pulmonologist at ILS Hospitals, Dumdum concluded, "In our country, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics has risen, with instances of overuse or inadequate dosages and durations. Such practices may provide temporary relief but are harmful as they fail to completely eradicate the germs. Instead, bacteria can develop resistance, rendering antibiotics ineffective. This resistance poses a significant concern. Given that pneumonia can result from viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, any medical problem related to these agents can lead to pneumonia, requiring life support also, such as ventilation, in severe cases. Additionally, managing underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and monitoring oxygen levels in the blood, is crucial. Identifying and addressing antimicrobial resistance in the patient's body promptly is also essential."

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]