World Pneumonia Day - Stop Pneumonia: Invest in Child Health

Pneumonia - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Prevention, Complications
Pneumonia is a lung infection that can be caused by a bacteria or a virus. It causes inflammation of the alveoli or the air sacs of the lungs.

‘Pneumonia cannot be treated in isolation. Tackling pneumonia requires a strong and accessible health system that reaches the most disadvantaged children.’

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Highlights:

World Pneumonia Day is observed every year on November 12.
The theme for 2017 World Pneumonia Day is “Stop Pneumonia Invest in Child Health.”
This day is observed to stand together in the fight against pneumonia.

World Pneumonia Day is observed to bring the global health problem of pneumonia to the attention of the people and to encourage organizations and nations to move in a united fight against this disease.

The three main objectives of World Pneumonia Day are:

To raise awareness about pneumonia, the world’s leading killer of children under the age of five.
To promote interventions to protect against, prevent and treat pneumonia
To generate action to fight pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that infects the lungs. In a normal condition, the small sacs in the lungs known as the alveoli are filled with air during breathing. However, in pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid. This results in difficulty in breathing and reduces oxygen intake.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pneumonia
Do you know which doctor should you consult if you have Pneumonia. This and other commonly asked questions about this condition.

Types of Pneumonia

The most common type of pneumonia are:
Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus)
The most common type of pneumonia, streptococcus pneumonia accounts for about 40 percent of all pneumonia deaths.
Hemophilus influenza type B
It is commonly referred to as Hib and it is the second most common cause of pneumonia deaths.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
This is the most common cause of childhood lung infection in the first six months of life and the most common cause of hospitalization from pneumonia.

Symptoms of Pneumonia

The symptoms of pneumonia in children under the age of five are:

Coughing and difficulty in breathing, with or without fever.
Fast breathing or lower chest wall indrawing.
In severe cases, some children may not be able to ear or drink and may be accompanied by unconsciousness, hypothermia, and convulsion.

Respiratory Diseases - Pneumonia
Encyclopedia section of medindia gives general info about Pneumonia

Risk Factors for Pneumonia

Weak immune system due to malnutrition or pre-existing illness such as HIV or measles.
Environmental factors such as indoor air pollution, living in a crowded home, and second-hand smoking.

How is Pneumonia Transmitted?

Viruses and bacteria in children’s nose or throat can be inhaled while breathing; this leads to infection of the lungs.
Through a cough or sneeze, pneumonia may be spread via airborne droplets.
And through blood, especially during and shortly after birth.

Global Burden of Pneumonia

Pneumonia claimed the lives of 920,000 children in 2015.
Children under five die of pneumonia every minute.
Four in every five children under the age of two die of pneumonia.
About 170 million children have not received vaccination against pneumonia.
It is estimated that by 2030, about 735,000 children will die of pneumonia.
South Asian girls have 43 percent increased risk than their male counterparts.

Protecting Children from Pneumonia

Protect children from pneumonia by promoting good health practices from birth by:

Exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
Adequate complementary feeding.
Vitamin A supplementation.

Prevent children from pneumonia and diarrhea by:
Children can be prevented from developing pneumonia with vaccines against:

Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus)
Hemophilus influenza type b (Hib)
Pertussis; (whooping cough)
Measles

Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are keys to preventing pneumonia, diarrhea, and other illnesses. Reducing household air pollution is another important step toward the prevention of pneumonia infection.

Treat children with appropriate and timely treatment.
Three important steps must be highlighted to reduce pneumonia deaths:

Recognize when a child is sick. Caregivers need to know the symptoms of pneumonia; this will help in early detection and timely treatment.
Seek appropriate care. When a child is suspected of being infected, the second step is to seek appropriate care.
Treat appropriately with antibiotics.

Stopping pneumonia isn’t about luck. It’s about action.