Bengaluru is witnessing a significant increase in pneumonia cases among children, raising concerns among healthcare professionals about escalating antibiotic resistance. Even vaccinated children are falling ill, indicating that standard treatments are becoming less effective.

Key Highlights
Increase in Paediatric Pneumonia Cases

• Doctors report a surge in pneumonia cases among children, with some hospitals seeing up to 10 cases daily.

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae, causing upper respiratory tract infections, is identified as a significant contributor.

Antibiotic Resistance Concerns

• Over-the-counter availability and self-medication practices are leading to incorrect dosages and incomplete courses, contributing to antibiotic resistance.

• Standard antibiotics are losing effectiveness, necessitating the use of broader-spectrum antibiotics, longer hospital stays, and intensified monitoring.

Environmental Factors

• Fluctuating temperatures and humidity create ideal conditions for respiratory infections.

• Weakened immunity and overcrowding further aid the spread of these infections.

Statements from Healthcare Professionals

• Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta, Consultant Paediatrician and Intensivist at Fortis Hospital, stated, "We are seeing about 10 cases of pneumonia in children every day, and surprisingly, Mycoplasma pneumonia is emerging as a key culprit. One major reason for this surge is antibiotic resistance. The basic drugs we once relied on to treat pneumonia are no longer working as effectively."

• Dr. Santosh Kumar, Senior Consultant and Lead of Paediatrics and Neonatology at Motherhood Hospitals, emphasized, "The increasing antibiotic resistance complicates treatment, forcing us to use broader-spectrum antibiotics, extend hospital stays, and intensify monitoring. The overuse of antibiotics and incomplete treatment courses are making infections harder to treat."

The rise in paediatric pneumonia cases in Bengaluru underscores the urgent need for responsible antibiotic use and adherence to prescribed treatment courses. Healthcare professionals advocate for increased awareness among parents regarding the dangers of self-medication and the importance of consulting qualified medical practitioners for appropriate treatments.