KUALA LUMPUR: Pneumonia has become the leading cause of certified deaths in Malaysia while seasonal influenza remains a global health concern, affecting at least one billion people annually.
According to the Statistics Department, 60.7% of the 196,965 deaths in 2023 were classified as medically certified deaths, while 39.3% were non-medically certified.
As far as certified deaths are concerned, pneumonia is the principal cause, accounting for 18,181 deaths or 15.2%.
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) consultant respiratory and internal medicine physician Dr Nurul Yaqeen Mohd Esa said the rising prevalence of respiratory viruses such as influenza and Covid-19 has made individuals more vulnerable to pneumonia.
She attributed the surge in pneumonia-related deaths to Malaysia’s ageing population, delays in seeking medical care and low vaccination rates.
“Pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection that causes lung inflammation, leading to breathing difficulties, reduced oxygen levels and potential complications that may require hospitalisation or result in death.
“While the elderly are at higher risk, younger individuals with weakened immune systems, chronic illnesses or poor lifestyle habits are also vulnerable,” she said in a statement to Bernama.
She said the rising pneumonia cases among younger individuals in recent years are largely due to exposure to respiratory viruses, smoking and vaping.
She explained that influenza and Covid-19 weaken the body’s defence mechanisms, making individuals more susceptible to bacterial infections that can trigger pneumonia.
“The flu virus damages the protective membranes lining the airways and cilia, tiny hair-like structures that clear mucus, creating a breeding ground for bacteria.
“It spreads through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces when an infected person coughs or sneezes,” she said, advising those recovering from the flu to watch for prolonged fever, worsening cough or breathing difficulties as potential signs of pneumonia.
Dr Nurul said as infected individuals could be contagious one day before symptoms appear and up to seven days after symptoms surface, it is important to emphasise the importance of early detection and preventive measures.
Citing recent cases, she noted that Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and Chinese actor Liang Youcheng succumbed to pneumonia-related complications following influenza infections, demonstrating how rapidly respiratory illnesses can escalate, even in younger adults.
She urged high-risk individuals to prioritise pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations, which can significantly reduce the severity of pneumonia.
The influenza vaccine lowers hospitalisation rates by 40% to 60% among healthy adults, while the pneumococcal vaccine reduces the risk of severe pneumonia by up to 75% in older adults.
“Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone, while adults over 65 should receive the pneumococcal vaccine with booster doses based on individual risk factors,” she said.
Meanwhile, SMCV consultant emergency physician Dr Lim Fang Jen said pneumonia symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain and confusion, are often mistaken for typical respiratory infections, leading to delayed treatment.
“When pneumonia becomes critical, its progression could be swift and devastating. Patients experiencing severe respiratory distress, dangerously low oxygen levels, confusion or altered mental status may need intensive care or mechanical ventilation.
“If left untreated, pneumonia can cause myocarditis (heart muscle inflammation), encephalitis (brain inflammation), myositis or rhabdomyolysis (muscle inflammation or damage), sepsis (a life-threatening inflammatory response to infection) and multi- organ failure.
“Pneumonia can worsen pre- existing conditions, particularly in individuals with diabetes, heart disease or chronic lung conditions, and those with compromised immune systems face an increased risk of prolonged hospitalisation, permanent organ damage or death,” he said.
These insights highlight the urgent need for early detection, proactive prevention and timely intervention to mitigate the potentially fatal consequences of pneumonia.
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