NEW DELHI: Iconic actress Saira Banu, 80, was recently diagnosed with pneumonia and suffered blood clots in her calves. However, she has now shared positive news that the clots have dissolved and her health has significantly improved.
Dr. Avi Kumar, Senior Consultant of Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts Hospital, discussed pneumonia and its treatments, referencing Banu’s recovery. He told The New Indian, “Well-known actress Saira Banu also had pneumonia, and she’s been recovering well on just lymphoma therapy.”
Dr Kumar later outlined standard treatments, including antibiotics to combat infections, proper nutrition, physiotherapy, and lymphotherapy, which have benefited Banu’s recovery.
Further elaborating on the disease, he added, “Pneumonia is a lung infection, and it comes in various forms. One type is community-acquired pneumonia, contracted outside medical settings. Another is hospital-acquired pneumonia, which occurs during hospital stays. The third type is ventilator-associated pneumonia, which develops after 48 hours of ventilator use.”
He also highlighted the complications and treatment methods: “In severe pneumonia, the patient often faces several complications, such as low blood pressure, confusion, and a drop in oxygen saturation. These are dangerous signs requiring immediate medical attention. The patient should be admitted to the ICU, and treatment generally includes antibiotics.”
Dr Kumar mentioned, “Common symptoms include coughing, mucus production, breathlessness, chest pain, fever, and general weakness. Severe cases can result in oxygen saturation drops, making prompt diagnosis and treatment critical.”
Banu’s improving health brings relief to her fans. The veteran actress’s health deteriorated after the death of her husband, superstar Dilip Kumar, in 2021. Banu began her illustrious career in 1960 at the age of 16. Her debut film, junglee, released in 1961, was a major success. In 1966, at the age of 22, Banu married Dilip Kumar, who was then 44 years old.
