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In India, Pneumonia and diarrhea are two major causes of deaths among children and according to 2020 census around 16% of deaths in children occur due to pneumonia. It is mostly assumed to be associated with the older lots but it is the biggest infectious killer of children worldwide.  Lets understand the causes, symptoms, transmission, and treatment for pneumonia.

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Causes of Pneumonia in Babies and Kids

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs. When lungs get infected with different types of infectious agents like bacteria or viruses or even fungus pneumonia is caused. The small sacks in the lungs supposed to be filled with air are filled with pus and other fluid while one suffers from pneumonia which in turn causes cough or makes it difficult to breathe and/or followed by a fever. It can develop after a cold or flu particularly in winter months.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Pneumonia in children

Common signs when a child is suffering from pneumonia are fever, cough, fast breathing, difficulty in breathing, vomiting, chest pain, being less active and/or loss of appetite. Doctors would examine the child’s appearance, breathing pattern, vital signs and may recommend for a chest x-ray.

Transmission of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is contagious and can spread through airborne droplets from a cough or sneeze. It can also spread through blood during or shortly after birth, called as neonatal pneumonia. Children with weak immune system, suffering from asthma or cancer are at higher risk. This disease is most common during winter and early spring when children spend most of their time indoors. Remember keeping them warm during this season is good but it doesn’t protect them from getting infected, hence do not overload but do the right things.

Does Vaccination PCV completely protect against Pneumonia?

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccination’s 3 doses are given at 6, 10 and 12 months followed by a booster at 15 months. PCV protects against 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria. However, no vaccine is perfect so it is possible to get pneumococcal pneumonia even after vaccination and remember there are many types of pneumonia caused by organisms other than one covered by the vaccine.

Treatment for Pneumonia

Generally, when the pneumonia is mild doctors recommend a good rest at home along with some antibiotics. Most types of bacterial pneumonia are cured in 1–2 weeks, walking pneumonia and viral pneumonia may take 4–6 weeks to go away completely. Check back with doctor if your child has continued fever, on and off fever, breathing difficulties, vomiting, bone pain or any other new symptoms. Some children may need hospitalization and monitored care depending on how infected their lungs are and how bad the symptoms are.

Prevention of Pneumonia in Babies and Kids

1. Ensure up to date vaccination

2. Practice good personal hygiene

3. Avoid crowded places

4. A smoke free environment

5. Healthy food habits

Video: Pneumonia in Babies and Kids

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