How to Help Your Child's Fight Against Pneumonia

Did you know that pneumonia kills 2,500 children every day? According to data updated by UNICEF in August 2016, pneumonia is the leading infection responsible for deaths among children under five. Worldwide, this infectious disease killed 920,000 children in 2015, of which a large percentage was children less than 2 years. Poverty-related factors, such as malnutrition and the lack of sanitation and safe water, are found to be leading causes of this ailment among children in India. The drier and milder climate of cities like Bangalore offer good breeding grounds for such bacteria and viruses, say some of the best pediatricians in the country.

Pneumonia is a condition of lung inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection, in which the air sacs fill with pus and become solid. It can affect only one or both the lungs. Children might experience symptoms like dry cough, fever, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches.

Malnutrition: A Major Contributor to Pneumonia in Children

About 50% to 60% of children below the age of 5 suffer from moderate or severe malnutrition in India. In case a child suffers from pneumonia, then the severity of the disease increases because of malnutrition, increasing the chances of it turning into a fatal ailment. Malnutrition decreases muscle strength and muscle mass of the child, followed by a decrease in immunity or the power to fight various diseases.

The body secretes an antibody known as IgA, which is reduced in a malnourished child. There is also a decrease in T cells, which help fight infections. Hence, factors that could help with systematic resistance against diseases are missing in a malnourished child. In the country's IT hub, Bangalore, slums are increasing at an alarming rate, which is a major concern of the best pediatricians in the city. Due to poverty, children do not have access to proper food and water. In addition, the absence of breast feeding in the first 4-5 months of birth is also a major contributing factor.

Treatment of Pneumonia

• In case of severe pneumonia, the child needs to be admitted to a hospital immediately, where they will be given fluids and antibodies, along with oxygen therapy and breathing treatments, where needed.
• Children should be given plenty of fluids, which will help loosen secretions and bring up phlegm, recommend the best pediatricians in Bangalore.
• They should also not be allowed to participate in strenuous activities, which could deplete their existing energy level.
• Parents should encourage the habit of carrying a handkerchief everywhere and use it while coughing and sneezing to avoid spreading any infection.

It is strongly advised to take antibiotics, cough medicines and anti-inflammatory drugs only with a doctor's prescription.