[ad_1]
Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that can lead to death, especially in children under five. This is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in Brazil and around the world. About 1.2 million children die each year from this disease. But how to protect children from pneumonia?
1) Anyone, at any age, can have pneumonia?
Anyone who can develop the disease, but children under five, infants, the elderly and those with cardiopulmonary disease are the most vulnerable
2) The pneumonia is a serious disease?
Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection characterized by cough, fever and secretion. The disease is responsible for high rates of hospitalizations and mortality, especially in children under five years of age. About 15 million children are hospitalized each year in developing countries such as Brazil. The disease is also responsible for about 20% of annual deaths worldwide.
In 2016, pneumonia was the leading cause of infant mortality from infectious diseases worldwide. This information was observed during the badysis of children under 5 years old.
3) What are the major risk factors for developing pneumonia in children?
The main risk factors are: low birth weight, malnutrition, lack of badfeeding at least (at least during the first six months of life) vitamin A deficiency, environmental pollution, exposure to cigarette smoke (pbadive smoking) and inadequate vaccination with available vaccines against major infectious diseases predisposing to pneumonia and major pneumonia agents (measles, chicken pox, whooping cough, influenza, Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcus).
4) What are the main symptoms of pneumonia in children?
The main symptoms are constant coughing, fever, moans due to breathing problems, feeding difficulties, apathy, prostration and increased respiratory rate. Children who show these signs should immediately see a doctor for appropriate treatment.
Coughs, high fever, body aches, and discomfort are typical signs of influenza, but they can also be symptoms of pneumonia. Usually, the signs of the flu disappear in three to four days. If the symptoms last longer and there is shortness of breath, cough with secretion and chest pain, there is a risk of pneumonia and a doctor / pediatrician should be consulted.
6) Can the flu cause pneumonia?
Influenza is caused by viruses and pneumonia can also be caused by viruses, but the most common is a bacterium. However, some influenza viruses can invade the lungs and damage your system. defense, making the person more vulnerable and more susceptible to the agents responsible for pneumonia.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 700 million children around the world are victims of second-hand smoke and are more exposed to tobacco.
7) Smoking near children can contribute to the development of pneumonia in children? diseases such as pneumonia. In Brazil, children account for 40% of the victims of second-hand smoke.
8) What are the leading causes of pneumonia in children?
Pneumonia is caused by various infectious agents, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and can be transmitted in some ways. Viruses and bacteria present in the nose or throat of a child can infect the lungs if they are inhaled. In addition, these microorganisms can also spread by coughing or sneezing and even by blood, especially during birth and shortly thereafter.
Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus is the leading cause of preventable pneumonia and invasive disease by vaccination in children under five years of age.
9) Is vaccination the most effective way to prevent bacterial pneumonia in children?
The most effective way to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia is vaccination. The National Immunization Program (NIP) vaccination schedule recommends two doses of 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine (conjugate) ideally at 2 months and 4 months of age and one booster dose every month.
The vaccine The 10-valent pneumococcus (conjugate) is available free of charge in the clinics for children under five years of age
In addition to vaccination, other forms of prevention of the disease in children are as follows : wash your hands regularly, ensure a healthy diet, do not share bottles, cups and utensils
10) Are there any other forms of prevention of childhood pneumonia? and drinking water.
* Information from GSK Pharmaceutical Industry Advisory Board
[ad_2]
Source link
