Deep scars left by pneumonia in victims and families

PETALING JAYA: When Kavi Arasu Tanjong Malai was diagnosed with pneumonia in May 2023, he spent two months in the ICU fighting for his life.

He said the symptoms showed up a month earlier, starting with difficulty in breathing that was similar to an asthma attack.

At the time, he thought that it was asthma returning at a late age and tried using asthma inhalers, but to no effect.

By May 2023, he said the symptoms had worsened so much that he could not get out of bed.

“At that time, my parents were travelling, and I was flat on my bed with no one to help for days,” he said.

The 35-year-old was put into an induced coma twice; the first attempt failed and the second attempt lasted for a month.

He said those months were an ordeal for his family and the doctors nearly gave up on him recovering.

It took three months for him to completely recover.

“That three months, I was like a dead body on the bed.

“While it was sleep for me, it left a big impact on my family as they suffered a lot,” he said, adding that their support was the main reason for his recovery.

Another patient, who only wanted to be known as Cheryl, said that she was only diagnosed with pneumonia after a few months of experiencing night fever.

The 40-year-old said the clinic she visited even did a full blood test but the doctor was unable to detect that it was due to pneumonia. As her condition worsened, Cheryl was admitted into a hospital.

“In October 2023, I was hospitalised due to the undiagnosed night fevers and cough.

“After further screenings at the hospital, they found mycoplasma and I was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease.

“I did not know how I contracted it but the doctor said it was common.

“With Legionnaires’ disease, it will scar your lungs and I don’t feel 100% well until now,” she said.

According to the American Lung Association, the signs and symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are similar to other types of pneumonia.

The symptoms also include cough, muscle aches, fever, shortness of breath and headache.