Symptoms of 'white lung syndrome' explained as illness spreads worldwide
A medical expert has explained what the mystery illness is, as experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) share concerns that it could take hold around the world.
by Nicola Roy, Tim Hanlon, https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/authors/nicola-roy/ · Daily RecordA doctor has lifted the lid on 'white lung syndrome' and what its symptoms could be as the 'mystery' illness is spreading around the world.
In China, images have been shared of individuals hooked up to IV lines in hospitals with cases of the condition also having been reported in Europe and the US.
Health experts at the WHO have been monitoring the situation in China closely since the middle of October as more and more people, mainly children, have been suffering from respiratory illnesses.
And according to China, 'white lung syndrome' is not new, but is rather a combination of different winter illnesses, the Mirror reports. With talk of the illness potentially taking hold in other regions, the WHO has urged the China to share the data that it has on the outbreak.
On November 13, China's National Health Commission reported an increase in the incidence of respiratory diseases, mainly in children. But Dr Frank McGeorge, a specialist in emergency medicine in the United States, has now played down the fears of a fresh pandemic and put it down to “hype”.
"I’ve been actively practising emergency medicine for more than 30 years and I’ve seen all manner of serious illness. I have never heard of 'white lung syndrome'," he said, but went on to explain why the term is being used.
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The pro explained that lung sacs usually are filled with air, so they appear dark. But when there is liquid inside, they'll show up white in an X-ray.
"Pneumonia is only one of many possible causes for a white area on a chest X-ray, but in the context of “white lung syndrome,” pneumonia is what is being referred to,” he told ClickOnDetroit.
"I don’t want to suggest pneumonia isn’t serious, it is, but there isn’t an epidemic of pneumonia and there isn’t any indication that the pneumonia we are seeing is from anything out of the ordinary. So far there is no reason to do anything differently this year than during any other winter respiratory infection season.”
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According to Dr McGeorge, the main symptoms of pneumonia are a cough, fever, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
And when it comes to children, the signs may be less obvious, but can include things like difficulty feeding because of trouble breathing, abnormal chest and abdominal movements with breathing, and even a blue tinge to the lips.
He says these are the main symptoms to look out for "if you are concerned about pneumonia or 'white lung syndrome'." You should visit a doctor if you're concerned that you may have them.
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