Pneumonia is a deadly infection for children, especially the newly born and those under the age of five, throughout the globe. It is also a leading cause of death for minors in Pakistan, where one-fifth of the population falls into this early-age group. It is crucial to look for Pneumonia symptoms in children to save their lives.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is a lung infection, very common in children and older people. It can be mild or severe. However, treatment is possible. It occurs when the tiny sacs of the lungs are filled with pus and other fluids, which are normally filled with air during breathing. Due to this, it becomes difficult and heavy to breathe for the patient affected by Pneumonia. It is always important to look for Pneumonia symptoms in children for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Pneumonia in Children via Stats
Pneumonia is dangerous for children. Ironically, according to the stats of WHO, Pneumonia killed 740180 children in 2019—14% of all paediatric deaths under the age of five. Moreover, UNICEF disclosed the alarming stats of kids’ deaths caused by Pneumonia as more children expire from Pneumonia than from any other infectious disease combined; over 700,000 children under the age of five die from Pneumonia per year, or about 2,000 per day. This ratio comprises about 190,000 infants. Nearly all of these fatalities might be avoided.
Over 1,400 cases of Pneumonia occur worldwide each year, or one case for every 71 children. The highest prevalence of Pneumonia occurs in South Asia, where there are 2,500 cases per 100,000 children, and in West and Central Africa, where there are 1,620 cases per 100,000 children.
According to estimates found in numerous Pakistani studies, the annual rate of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) in children under five in Pakistan is 4% in the community, which makes up about 22% of the 160 million people living in the nation. Using this 4% estimate, we can determine 15 million annual ARI episodes among children under five.
Pneumonia Symptoms in Children
The symptoms of Pneumonia may vary from person to person. However, children or people over 65 may see severe symptoms. Some of the common Pneumonia symptoms in children are listed below.
- Fever
- Cough
- Body Chills
- Heavy Breathing
- Breath with Wheezing Sounds or grunting
- Chest Pain
- Body Ache
- Reduced Body Activity
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
Look at the Pneumonia Causes
Now that we have seen the possible Pneumonia symptoms in children, we shall look towards the possible reasons to develop Pneumonia. In most cases, children get attacked by Pneumonia through any other virus, for instance, viruses such as flu or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). In such cases, children affected by Pneumonia develop the symptoms lately or slowly.
On the other hand, if children catch Pneumonia through bacterial infection, they will fall ill due to fever, body chills, and weakness more quickly because of the compound ailment of any previous disease. Therefore, it is crucial to visit a professional pulmonologist if children are experiencing these signs.
Is Pneumonia Contagious?
Pneumonia is often caused by bacterial or virus infection. Therefore, it can be contagious some of the time. The virus and bacterial infections can be contagious, ultimately leading to Pneumonia. The underlying reason for this spread of Pneumonia is that one catches it through breathing, while germs can transfer through sneezing or coughing.
Preventive Measures for Pneumonia
We can safeguard our children from Pneumonia through vaccines for common infections and viruses. In the following, more details are available.
Vaccination against the flu and the most recent version of COVID-19 is advised for children six months of age and older. These vaccinations are especially crucial for children with long-term conditions, including Asthma, heart disease, or lung disorders.
RSV Vaccine is also recommended for kids. Your professional doctor will advise you on the requirements. Furthermore, it is necessary to keep children safe in the season of dryness and bad weather conditions such as smog. Similarly, if there are sick people around children, keep children away from the ones with respiratory infection symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough).
In Pakistan, one of the most critical parts of the National Immunization Strategy to lower child mortality is preventing Pneumonia in children. The best defence against Pneumonia is immunization against Hib, Pneumococcus, Measles, And Whooping Cough (Pertussis).
Most occurrences of severe Pneumonia, Meningitis, and bloodstream infections in children in Pakistan are caused by the Bacteria Pneumococcus. Vaccines against this pathogen can be administered as shots to newborns and toddlers to avoid infection. It inhibits the transmission of Pneumococcal Illness and helps prevent it from occurring in the first place.
Additionally, if anyone is affected by Pneumonia, it is essential to stop the spread of Pneumonia for the better. Some of the tips are as follows.
- Wash hands frequently.
- Maintain good hygiene.
- Don’t share utensils.
- Cover mouth or nose while sneezing and cough.
Pneumonia Diagnosis: When and How
Pneumonia is diagnosed by tests after the medical healthcare professional sees the possibility of this disease. The following tests can be included in the Pneumonia diagnosis. Your doctor will decide which test to do after looking for the Pneumonia symptoms in children.
- Chest X-ray
- Blood Tests
- Sputum Culture
- Pulse Oximetry
- Chest CT scan
- Bronchoscopy
- Pleural Fluid Culture
At DHMC, we offer all these test and diagnosis services at the state-of-the-art diagnosis centre. We are your partner in healthcare.
Look at the Pneumonia Treatment
Once Pneumonia symptoms and diagnosis ensure the presence of Pneumonia, treatment with antibiotics is the next thing to do. Normally, Pneumonia fades away in 2-4 weeks. However, it may take longer due to body conditions. Antibiotics may be part of the treatment for bacterial Pneumonia.
There’s no effective treatment for most viral Pneumonia. Frequently, the patients improve on their own. Antiviral medications can be used to treat Pneumonia brought on by the flu. Moreover, children with Pneumonia can be eased down to bear by following home remedies.
- Increase fluid intake.
- Placement of cool mist humidifier.
- Doctor’s recommended medicine for fever and body aches.
Pulmonologists Treat Pneumonia at DHMC Lahore
At Doctor’s Hospital and Medical Centre (DHMC), Lahore, we have qualified and experienced pulmonologists. These professionals will handle your child with care if there is a complication or severity of Pneumonia leading to hospital admission. You can contact us at 042- 111-223-377
Final Words
Pneumonia is a deadly disease in South Asia for many reasons. It is important to safeguard kids and to look up diligently if any angle shows Pneumonia symptoms in children. Doctors Hospital and Medical Centre (DHMC) is always ready to serve and care for kids with any disease, including Pneumonia.
