WHITE LUNG SYNDROME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, after the outbreak of mystery pneumonia among China's pediatric population, a similar illness referred to as the White Lung Syndrome has been recently raising child hospitalization cases in Ohio, US.

White Lung Syndrome

• About: The term was first associated with an outbreak of a respiratory illness in China. This syndrome is emerging as a new health issue of global concern.

o“White Lung Syndrome” is not a scientific terminology. 

• Caused by: It's a respiratory infection caused by multiple microorganisms (influenza, mycoplasma etc) leading to development of pneumonia.
• Symptoms: White patches in the lung are formed all over the organ, fever, cough, sore throat, watery eye skin rash or symptoms like diarrhoea.
• Treatment: Mainly focused on addressing the symptoms of pneumonia and ensuring the respiratory health of the patients.

o Medicines are given to alleviate symptoms like cough and fever. overall monitoring must be done and oxygen therapy provided if necessary.