Pneumonia in Children: Some Facts Parents Should Know

Winter brings along various health problems, and pneumonia is one of them. It not only infects adults but even children and new-borns.

10 Dec, 2022

Longjam Dineshwori

What is Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It leads to inflammation of the lungs' air sacs (alveoli).

Source: Thehealthsite

Pneumonia spike in winter

Pneumonia cases usually increases during winter probably because people tend to spend more time indoors, making transmission of germs easier amongst each other.

Source: Thehealthsite

Symptoms of Pneumonia

Pneumonia symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, sweating and shaking chills, cough usually with phlegm, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.

Source: Thehealthsite

Spread of pneumonia

Often, pneumonia spreads from one person to another via coughing or sneezing or talking, which sends contaminated respiratory droplets into the air.

Source: Thehealthsite

Pneumonia deaths in children

Pneumonia causes the highest number of deaths in children worldwide than any other infectious disease, with India accounting for most of these deaths.

Source: Thehealthsite

People with high risk

Older adults, children below 5 years, people with respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, heart disease, kidney disease and diabetes are prone to pneumonia.

Source: Thehealthsite

Treat on time

Pneumonia can lead to severe lung damage, and even death. If your child has pneumonia, treat him/her on time to avoid any serious complications.

Source: Thehealthsite

Pneumonia prevention

Get children vaccinated against Hib, pneumococcus, measles and whooping cough. Adequate nutrition, good hygiene, avoiding crowded places are other ways to prevent pneumonia.

Source: Thehealthsite

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