Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : November 18, 2024 4:29 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Amit P Ghawade, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Mumbai
Exposure to air pollution and indoor pollutants increases the risk of pneumonia. Some children may also require hospital admission if the infection is severe. (Photo: Freepik)
The cases of pneumonia are rising in the country, especially in the northern states, owing to a drop in temperature and rise in pollution levels, which are causing a lot of respiratory distress. The burden of pneumonia is the highest in children, whose lungs are still developing, along with the elderly population and those with weakened immune systems.
A serious lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, pneumonia can lead to inflammation in the lungs. In children, this condition can severely affect those in the age group of five to 12 years, resulting in symptoms such as persistent cough, wheezing, trouble breathing, vomiting, and extreme tiredness. Prompt medical intervention, therefore, is crucial for the well-being of children, doctors say.
Let's take the example of a patient: an eight-year-old boy from Navi Mumbai. He was admitted to a hospital in the city after suffering from coughing and wheezing for two days. Upon arrival, his chest X-ray confirmed mild pneumonia. He received treatment, recuperated well, and has since resumed school. Many other children are also getting diagnosed with pneumonia, with doctors insisting they seek timely treatment for successful outcomes.
Dr Amit P Ghawade, consultant pediatrician and neonatologist at Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Mumbai explains that pneumonia is an infection affecting the lungs that can lead to severe complications, especially in children.
"It occurs due to infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and is characterised by inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) within one or both lungs. This inflammation causes the sacs to fill with fluid or pus, leading to breathing problems. Viral pneumonia spreads when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or leaves germs on surfaces."
The doctor adds that pneumonia in children is often caused by viral pathogens, like influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can inflame the lungs and create an environment for secondary bacterial infections like streptococcus pneumoniae. Exposure to air pollution and indoor pollutants increases the risk of pneumonia. Some children may also require hospital admission if the infection is severe.
Treatment may include oxygen therapy, intravenous antibiotics, and fluids to prevent dehydration. Mild pneumonia can often be managed with rest, hydration, and medication, Dr Ghawade says.
To help prevent pneumonia, parents should follow the recommended vaccination schedule, ensuring their children receive pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations. Additionally, children should practise good hygiene, exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet to boost immunity, wear masks, and avoid crowded places and sick individuals, the doctor concludes.
