WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs.

The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes.

According to report published in Economic times of 16 November 2017 that "Globally, pneumonia claimed the lives of more than nine lakh under-5 children in 2015. Of these deaths, about 1.8 lakh occurred in India."

When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake.

Pneumonia is caused by a number of infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria and fungi.

The viruses and bacteria that are commonly found in a child's nose or throat, can infect the lungs if they are inhaled. They may also spread via air-borne droplets from a cough or sneeze. In addition, pneumonia may spread through blood, especially during and shortly after birth.

The presenting features of viral and bacterial pneumonia are similar. However, the symptoms of viral pneumonia may be more numerous than the symptoms of bacterial pneumonia.

In children under 5 years of age, who have cough and/or difficult breathing, with or without fever.

Very severely ill infants may be unable to feed or drink and may also experience unconsciousness, hypothermia and convulsions. 

While most healthy children can fight the infection with their natural defences, children whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk of developing pneumonia

he following environmental factors also increase a child's susceptibility to pneumonia:

• indoor air pollution caused by cooking and heating with biomass fuels (such as wood or dung)
• living in crowded homes
• Parental smoking.

Pneumonia should be treated with antibiotics. The antibiotic of choice is amoxicillin dispersible tablets. Most cases of pneumonia require oral antibiotics, which are often prescribed at a health centre.

Improper use of antibiotics can also help the Bacteria to grow and became strong it also dangerous for future health concern regarding immune system.  

Prevention is better than cure. Proper vaccination by PVC (pneumococcal conjugate vaccines) ,breastfeeding for six months, reducing indoor air pollution can help in reducing  the possibility of pneumonia.