China is currently facing an outbreak of the human metapneumovirus (HMPV), after five years of COVID-19 that triggered prolonged lockdowns and caused millions of deaths, as per the buzz on social media.?
According to reports circulating on the internet, the virus is spreading rapidly, with some visuals indicating that the hospitals and crematories are overwhelmed. Videos of overcrowded hospitals raise the alarm, with some people complaining that multiple viruses, including influenza A, HMPV, mycoplasma pneumonia, and COVID-19, are circulating.
Although there have also been reports on social media that the Chinese authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO) have not declared a state of emergency yet. The rise in infections is currently being examined, especially because it coincides with the winter season, the time when respiratory diseases see a typical jump in cases.?
Amid the circulating information on social media, a social media post on X under the name 'SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19)' mentioned that China is facing a surge in multiple viruses, including Influenza A, HMPV, mycoplasma pneumonia, and Covid-19, overwhelming hospitals and crematoriums.
On the other hand, the department of children in hospitals is strained by rising pneumonia "white lung" cases." But what are white lungs? How dangerous is it??
White lung" isn't a formal medical term, but it often describes pneumonia in children where lung tissue appears white on X-rays, suggesting fluid or inflammation. ¡°Pneumonia can be particularly dangerous for young children, especially those under the age of 2, due to their developing immune systems and smaller airways. In children, the condition can progress quickly and result in more severe symptoms,¡± explains Dr. Nishant Bansal, consultant paediatrician & neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Noida.?
One of the most concerning effects of pneumonia in children is rapid and difficult breathing. According to Dr. Bansal, ¡°Their smaller lungs are filled with fluid much faster so that these youngsters suffer from shallow breathing, wheezing, or even a bluish tint to the skin in acute cases; oxygen is not being drawn into the body.¡±
Another symptom of pneumonia is high fever, which becomes difficult to manage and leads to dehydration if left unchecked. Moreover, children with this illness experience persistent coughing, primarily while taking deep breaths, and chest pain. Fatigue and paleness are common symptoms; children may become listless and lose their appetite and thirst, further exacerbating dehydration. In some, pneumonia leads to serious complications, for example, in those with an already depressed immune system or associated medical conditions such as asthma or congenitally present birth defects, such as those born prematurely.?
White lung, or silicosis, is a concerning lung condition that is seen due to prolonged exposure to silica dust, found in industries like mining and construction. ¡°When silica particles are inhaled, it will be shocking to know that they can take a toll on the lungs and damage them. This further can cause scarring and reduced lung function,¡± says Dr. Sandeep Kadian, Sr. Consultant Pulmonologist and Intensivist, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli.?
Complications of white lungs?
Complications include sepsis or respiratory failure. Dr. Bansal explains, ¡°Because pneumonia symptoms can mimic other illnesses in young children, early diagnosis by tests such as chest X-rays or blood tests is essential. Treatment often involves antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral drugs for viral pneumonia, and antifungal drugs if required.¡±
In extreme cases, hospitalization may be required for oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids. Given the risk of life-threatening complications, prompt medical attention is crucial for ensuring the best outcome for children with pneumonia.
The risk factors are dusty environments without proper protective equipment and long-term exposure to silica. Symptoms of this are shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. To prevent this condition, one should wear protective gear, reduce dust at worksites, and have regular health checkups to detect lung damage and initiate timely intervention.
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