Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a respiratory infection caused by viruses (respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2), bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b), and fungi (Pneumocystis jiroveci) . It affects the alveoli (tiny air sacs that make up the lungs); in healthy people, they fill with air when breathing, but in people with pneumonia, they are filled with fluid and pus, making breathing painful and reducing oxygen absorption.
How it affects the population
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children worldwide , particularly in children under five. It affects not only the children themselves but also their families. It is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Currently, due to the ongoing pandemic, the pneumonia caused by COVID-19 has claimed many lives . A study is underway to determine the true incidence of this infection in COVID-19 patients; this study is scheduled to conclude in March 2021. We know that in 10-20% of cases, the respiratory illness is so severe that it requires intubation and mechanical ventilation. Approximately 3% of these patients die.
Transmission methods
- Viruses and bacteria in our noses and throats can infect our lungs when inhaled.
- Airway. When we cough or sneeze we expel small drops and we can infect those around us.
- Through the blood. Especially in childbirth or postpartum.
Symptom
Although the symptoms are usually the same, viral pneumonia is more common than bacterial pneumonia.
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Cough that can produce phlegm
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
- Fever, perspiration, and shaking chills
- Wheezing
- Fast breathing
- Subcostal pull
Children under 5 years old may not show any signs of infection. Or they may exhibit the symptoms mentioned above. They may also be restless or tired, lacking energy and appetite.
In people over 65 years of age, body temperature may be lower than normal, and they may experience disorientation or changes in mental perception among the common symptoms.
Treatment
Pneumonia caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics. Hospitalization is recommended only in severe cases.
Prevention according to WHO and UNICEF
The WHO and UNICEF Global Action Plan for Pneumonia Prevention and Control (GAPP) aims to accelerate pneumonia control by combining various interventions for protecting, preventing, and treating the disease in children, with measures such as the following:
- Protecting children from pneumonia, among other things by promoting exclusive breastfeeding and the habit of washing hands and reducing indoor air pollution.
- Prevention of pneumonia through vaccination, hand washing with soap, reduction of household air pollution, HIV prevention, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole prophylaxis in HIV-infected or exposed children.
- Treatment of pneumonia, Above all, ensuring that all sick children have access to correct health care (provided by a community health worker or in a health center when the condition is serious) and receive the antibiotics and oxygen they need to heal.
Bilateral pneumonia due to COVID-19
The detection of pneumonia has been one of the key symptoms for identifying a COVID-19 infection . The term bilateral indicates that both lungs are affected, but the symptoms, treatment, and prevention are the same.