On account of World Pneumonia Day, doctors from Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun stressed upon the need to spread awareness about Pneumonia. Doctors share that “3.5 lakh children (below five years) die of pneumonia every year.
Globally, pneumonia kills an estimated 1.4 million children, which is more than AIDS, malaria and TB combined. Unfortunately, India accounts for 25 per cent of world’s pneumonia child deaths. Clean and hygienic environment, addressing malnutrition, encouraging breast feeding and timely immunization can reduce the mortality rate due to pneumonia.”
Dr Rohit Srivastava, Paediatrician at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Dehradun shares, “Pneumonia is a respiratory disease wherein the lungs get infected by bacteria, virus, fungus or parasites. New born babies, premature babies and infants need special care especially if they have underdeveloped lungs, narrow airways, poor nutrition or weak immune systems as they face a higher risk of contracting the infection.
Parents should seek immediate medical advice if their child is experiencing fast breathing rate, groaning, decreased oral intake, retraction of lower chest and cyanosis (appearance of a blue or purple coloration of the skin). Pneumonia is the leading cause of death among children in developing countries, including India. WHO estimates that one in three new born infant deaths is due to pneumonia.
About half of these deaths can be prevented if the child is vaccinated. On an average we see 80 Pneumonia patients monthly, out of which 30% are children aged between 6 months to 2 years. It is sad to see that most of the patients have not been vaccinated against Pneumonia. Today on World Pneumonia Day, we urge all parents to get their child regularly vaccinated against this serious ailment.”
Discussing about preventing Pneumonia from spreading, Dr Puneet Tyagi, pulmonologist at Max super speciality hopsital dehradun, said “The best way to prevent serious respiratory infections such as pneumonia is to avoid contact with sick people and to practice good hygiene. Colds and flu spread primarily from infected people who cough or sneeze. A very common method for transmitting a cold is by shaking hands. Research has found that washing hands frequently can prevent the spread of viral respiratory illnesses. Always wash your hands before eating and after going outside.”