Bengaluru: Pneumonia cases among children are surging in Bengaluru, according to city doctors. Even vaccinated children are falling ill, raising alarm over the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Doctors warn that standard treatments are becoming less effective, leaving many young patients struggling to recover.
Dr Yogesh Kumar Gupta, consultant paediatrician and intensivist at Fortis Hospital, said, “We are seeing about 10 cases of pneumonia in children every day, and surprisingly, Mycoplasma pneumonia (upper respiratory tract infection caused by M. pneumoniae bacteria) 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 Gupta attributed this rise in resistance to the easy availability of antibiotics over the counter. “Many parents self-medicate their children without proper consultation. Incorrect dosages may provide temporary relief but contribute to long-term resistance. Over the last decade, we saw a drastic shift in antibiotic effectiveness, making it harder to treat infections,” he added.
Dr Santosh Kumar, senior consultant and lead of paediatrics and neonatology at Motherhood Hospitals, emphasised the increase in pneumonia cases, particularly community-acquired Mycoplasma pneumonia. “In the last quarter, we saw a significant increase in cases, predominantly affecting children aged 2 to 12. Every day, we see around 10 children suffering from pneumonia, and among them, two to three show symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia. At least two of these children require intensive care,” he said.
While no single cause explains the spike, Dr Kumar pointed to antibiotic resistance and nature of community-acquired infections as key challenges. “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,” he added.
Dr Parimala V Thirumalesh, senior consultant in neonatology and paediatrics at Aster CMI Hospital, pointed out that fluctuating temperatures and humidity are creating ideal conditions for respiratory infections. “Previously, we would see only one or two cases per week, but now we see 15-20 cases weekly. Weakened immunity and overcrowding are major contributing factors, while the changing weather further aids the spread of these infections,” she explained.
Dr Anilkumar Sapare, senior consultant in paediatric pulmonology, Narayana Health City, told TOI that pneumonia admissions nearly doubled in the past few months. “Atypical pneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is on the rise. It presents with a slow onset of fever and worsening cough, making diagnosis tricky. Alarmingly, antibiotic resistance is increasing. Pneumococcal infections, once treatable, are now progressing to severe complications like empyema (collection of pus in cavity) and necrotising pneumonia (severe lung infection),” he warned.
