Pneumonia in Children: What You Can Do to Help Your Kids
Written by Zalfa Imani Trijatna
When people come across the term pneumonia, it's common for many to link it with elderly individuals. Nonetheless, in truth, pneumonia is prevalent among children as well.
According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumonia accounts for 14% of deaths in children under the age of 5. In 2019, approximately 740,180 children in this age group lost their lives to pneumonia. This disease can affect children in any region of the world, but the highest number of child pneumonia-related deaths is concentrated in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
According to Healthline, pneumonia is a lung infection that can affect one or both lungs and is typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. This infection leads to inflammation in the air sacs of the lungs, known as alveoli, causing them to fill with fluid or pus. Because of this, those with pneumonia often experience difficulty breathing due to this condition.
Pneumonia can spread through various means. In children, the infection can occur when they breathe in viruses and bacteria that are present in their nose or throat. Additionally, pneumonia can be transmitted through airborne droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, and there's also a risk of transmission through blood, particularly during and after birth.
It's essential to conduct further research on the different pathogens responsible for pneumonia and their modes of transmission, as this knowledge is crucial for the treatment and prevention of pneumonia.
Symptoms of pneumonia in children
According to Stanford Medicine, the symptoms of pneumonia in children can vary depending on the cause. In cases of bacterial pneumonia, symptoms often appear suddenly. Some common symptoms children may experience include:
On the other hand, viral pneumonia typically leads to a gradual onset of breathing difficulties, although there are similarities in the initial symptoms. Viral pneumonia can also increase the risk of bacterial pneumonia in children. In addition to the symptoms mentioned earlier, viral pneumonia can also cause:
Causes of pneumonia in children
As mentioned earlier, pneumonia can be caused by various infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Among the causes of pneumonia in children, the WHO identifies four of the most common:
A child's vulnerability to pneumonia can be influenced by various factors, particularly when their immune systems are compromised. Typically, a weakened immune system can result from factors like malnutrition, particularly in infants who are not exclusively breastfed. Additionally, children with pre-existing health conditions such as symptomatic HIV infection and measles are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia.
Environmental factors can also elevate a child's susceptibility to pneumonia. Some of these factors include:
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Pneumonia treatment
As per WHO guidelines, pneumonia is typically treated with antibiotics, with amoxicillin dispersible tablets being a common choice. In most instances, pneumonia cases can be effectively managed with oral antibiotics, which are usually prescribed at healthcare facilities.?
Trained healthcare workers can diagnose and treat these cases using affordable oral antibiotics. However, severe pneumonia cases necessitate hospitalization to ensure that patients receive specialized medical attention and care.
What parents can do to prevent pneumonia in children
Efforts to prevent pneumonia in children are a crucial part of reducing child mortality. As a parent, there are three key measures you can take to safeguard your child from pneumonia.
Following the PCV immunization program Following the PCV immunization program is a highly effective method to protect children from pneumonia. WHO recommends the inclusion of PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) immunization in routine vaccination programs for children worldwide. This immunization provides strong protection against pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria in infants and children.
The Indonesian Ministry of Health, through its official website, has expressed its commitment to safeguarding all Indonesian children from the threat of pneumonia by offering PCV immunization. This program was rolled out in stages starting in 2017. As responsible parents, it is essential to ensure that your children receive PCV immunization to help prevent pneumonia. This immunization, administered in three doses, is accessible at various healthcare facilities.
Supplying children with sufficient nutrition
Ensuring children receive proper nutrition is crucial for bolstering their immune systems, a key factor in defending against pneumonia and other illnesses. One way you can enhance your children’s immune system is by ensuring exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Breast milk provides essential nutrients and immune-boosting factors that help protect children from pneumonia and various diseases.
Safeguarding environmental cleanliness and health
A less clean and healthy living environment is among the factors that can elevate the risk of pneumonia in children. Mitigating environmental factors like indoor air pollution constitutes an effective preventive measure against pneumonia. Make sure that your home provides a clean and healthful living space for you and your children.
If your child displays symptoms of pneumonia, don't hesitate to seek immediate consultation with Prixa!
Prixa is a pioneer in digital healthcare that helps companies and patients manage their health in more targeted and effective ways. Various health services, from teleconsultation, arranging doctor's appointments, pharmacy delivery, lab tests, and health content, to inpatient services and direct medical procedures, are available in one platform.
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