Producer-actor Dheeraj Kumar dies at 80 of acute pneumonia: Causes, early signs, prevention
Known for his work across Punjabi films, Hindi films as well as television, one of his last public appearances was at the inauguration of the ISKCON temple in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. Dheeraj, 80 at the time of his passing, is survived by wife Zuby Kochar.
The actor's demise came as a result of complications stemming from acute pneumonia, which in some cases, can prove to be fatal.
A report by Mayo Clinic however, lists out the symptoms as well as when to alert a doctor so as to receive swift treatment.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs of one or both lungs. These sacs can become filled with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms such as coughing with mucus or pus, fever, chills, and trouble breathing. Anything from bacteria, viruses, and fungi can trigger this diagnosis.
While pneumonia can very well be caught at an early, mild stage, if left unattended or unmedicated for too long, can very likely prove to be fatal. Adults over the age of 65 and infants and young children, particularly those with comparatively weaker immune systems and other pre-existing health conditions, are more susceptible to the illness.
A Healthline report lists the types of pneumonia as hospital-acquired pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia and aspiration pneumonia. While the first three are self explanatory, the last, aspiration pneumonia, is the result of inhaling bacteria into the lungs via food, drink, or saliva.
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia?
The Healthline report lays out a comprehensive list of symptoms to keep an eye out for. Chest pain when you breathe or cough, confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older), phlegm producing cough, fatigue, fever, sweating and shaking chills, lower than normal body temperature (particularly in adults), nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and shortness of breath.
When to see a doctor?
The Mayo Clinic report asserts that difficulty breathing, chest pain, a persistent fever of 102F or higher or a persistent cough, especially with pus, is more than enough reason to go visit a doctor. This specifically applies to those with already weaker immune systems (naturally or because of certain medication) or even exposure like chemotherapy.
Coming back to Dheeraj, may he rest in peace.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
College student dies at Nicco park waterfall in Kolkata; probe on into cause
An 18-year-old college student died after falling unconscious on a simulated waterfall at Kolkata's Nicco Park on Wednesday. He was rushed to a private hospital in Salt Lake, where doctors declared him dead. According to the amusement park's authorities, Rahul arrived at around 11 am with a group of friends. Rajesh Raisinghani, managing director of the park, said they do not consider the death an 'accident', suggesting it may have been due to an underlying illness. 'Our staff suddenly saw some friends trying to bring a boy down (from the waterfall). He was found unconscious. Immediately, a wheelchair was brought in. He was first taken to primary care where the nurse found his pulse low, and suggested we take him to emergency services. By then, we had already called an ambulance. Later, doctors declared him dead. The incident took place this afternoon,' Raisinghani said. Park officials said that Rahul, along with 'four men and three women,' believed to be college students, were taking a shower on the first floor of the Niagara Falls simulation when he suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed. The Bidhannagar South police have taken charge of the investigation. Authorities are currently interviewing Rahul's friends to gather more information about the circumstances leading to his collapse. The unexpected death has reportedly caused panic and concern among other tourists visiting NICCO Park. The cause of death remains uncertain, and an investigation is on. Sweety Kumari reports from West Bengal for The Indian Express. She is a journalist with over a decade of experience in the media industry. Covers Crime, Defence, Health , Politics etc and writes on trending topics. With a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories. She has honed her craft across diverse beats including aviation, health, incidents etc. Sweety delivers impactful journalism that informs and engages audiences. Sweety Kumari is a graduate of Calcutta University with an Honors degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College and a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Originally from Bihar, she is brought up in Kolkata and completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya SaltLake. Multilingual, Sweety is fluent in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili. She started her career as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a newsportal in Kolkata. She is working with The Indian Express for 8 years now. ... Read More
Economic Times
5 hours ago
- Economic Times
Dheeraj Kumar death: Know causes, symptoms & risks of acute pneumonia
Synopsis Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar, known for his contributions to both film and television, passed away at 79 due to acute pneumonia. He was hospitalised in Mumbai following breathing issues and placed on ventilator support. Kumar's career spanned decades, including roles in Punjabi and Hindi films, and he founded Creative Eye, a production house famous for mythological shows. Agencies Dheeraj Kumar died of acute pnemonia Veteran actor and television producer Dheeraj Kumar passed away on Tuesday aged 79. He was reportedly battling acute pneumonia and had been hospitalised at Mumbai's Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital. According to reports, he was admitted earlier this week following severe breathing issues and had been placed on ventilator support in the ICU. Kumar started his career in the entertainment industry in 1965, leaving a lasting imprint on both film and television platforms. Between 1970 and 1984, he appeared in 21 Punjabi films before founding Creative Eye, a production house celebrated for its spiritual and mythological shows like Om Namah Shivay. He also featured in several acclaimed Hindi films, including Swami, Heera Panna, and Raaton Ka is a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It leads to the lung tissue being damaged and filled with fluid or pus. According to doctors, bacterial pneumonia is usually more severe than viral pneumonia, which often resolves on its own. According to doctors, pneumonia develops when the immune system begins to attack an infection in the small sacs of the lungs, known as alveoli. It then causes the lungs to inflame and leak fluids. Many bacteria, viruses, and fungi cause infections that lead to pneumonia. According to experts, bacteria are the most common cause in adults, and viruses are the most common cause in small children.A few common illnesses that lead to pneumonia are: Common cold, also known as rhinovirus COVID-19 Influenza virus, or flu Human parainfluenza virus, or HPIV Legionnaires' disease Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria Pneumococcal disease Pneumocystis pneumonia Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV Pneumonia is not contagious in itself, but the bacteria and viruses that cause it are. The bacteria that most commonly cause pneumonia, treptococcus pneumoniae , can be spread from person to person by touching infected surfaces or through coughing and sneezing. Further, pneumonia caused by fungi is not contagious. Fungal infections are not spread from person to person like viruses and say you are at a high risk for pneumonia if you: Are over the age of 65 or under the age of 2 years. Are living with a lung or heart condition like cystic fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Are living with a neurological condition like dementia or Parkinson's that makes swallowing difficult. Are in the hospital or at a long-term care facility. Smoke. Are pregnant. Have a weak immune system. Symptoms of pneumonia depend on the cause, and they range from mild to severe. A few common ones include: High fever, up to 105 F or 40.55 C Cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus Tiredness and fatigue Rapid and shallow breathing Breathlessness Rapid heart rate Sweating or chills Chest or abdominal pain Loss of appetite Bluish skin, lips, or nails Confusion or altered mental state
NDTV
7 hours ago
- NDTV
When Fauja Singh Revealed His Diet And Said Vegetarian Food Was The Secret To His Fitness
Fauja Singh, often celebrated as the "Turbaned Tornado", died on July 14 at the age of 114 after being hit by a vehicle in Jalandhar, Punjab while taking a walk outside his home in Beas village. Considered as one of the "oldest marathons in the world", Fauja Singh was born in 1911, and he defied age and expectations by running marathons even after turning 100. His impressive stamina and longevity have fascinated both athletes and scientists. One of the key factors he attributed to his endurance was a simple vegetarian diet. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dr. Rajwant Singh (@ Fauja Singh Followed A Vegetarian Diet To Stay Fit Fauja Singh began his marathon journey at 89 and completed 9 full marathons between 2000 and 2013. "I'm the oldest marathon runner in the world. Just three weeks after my 101st birthday, I ran the London Marathon in seven hours and 49 minutes. I've completed eight other marathons in the past 12 years, including the Toronto Waterfront Marathon, which I ran when I was 100 years old. How do I do it? Simple: firstly, I eat only vegetarian foods," Fauja Singh wrote in a blog for He also believed that vegetarians tend to live 6-10 years longer than meat-eaters do. Well, studies have also found that vegetarians may live longer than non-vegetarians. Along with eating vegetarian foods such as chapati, dal, sabji, and saag, he also said, "I also walk or jog every day. Age may bring wisdom, but if you want stamina, endurance, and a lifetime of good health, turn to nutritious vegetarian foods." He also shared, "I've been predominantly vegetarian my whole life. In the Sikh religion, we eat to live, not live to eat. In Punjab, the green belt of India where I'm originally from, most people eat what they grow – I attribute my longevity to simple Punjabi vegetarian foods".
