During a pandemic, perhaps the disease that is most feared is the COVID-19 infection. However, there are actually threats of various other diseases that need to be watched out for too, Moms. One of them is pneumonia.
In fact, WHO in 2017 found that Indonesia was ranked 7th as the country with the highest pneumonia burden in the world, where 17% of children under five died from pneumonia infection. In Indonesia alone, pneumonia is still one of the main causes of infant and under-five mortality. This is the reason the world commemorates World Pneumonia Day every 12 November.
For that, Moms should not be careless about pneumonia during a pandemic. Check out the prevention steps and information about pneumonia in children in the following explanation, Moms!
Pneumonia, a Dangerous Threat for Children
In an online discussion entitled “Save The Children: Recognize and Prevent Pneumonia in Children ‘The Forgotten Killer’” organized by Save The Children last November 5, it was stated that pneumonia is the second cause of death for children under five in Indonesia after preterm delivery with a prevalence of 15.5%. . Unfortunately, this disease is often forgotten.
At this event, Dr. dr. Nastiti Kaswandani, Sp.A (K), Chair of the Respirology Coordination Unit of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association, stated that pneumonia is an acute pneumonia caused by infection in the lung tissue by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. “If the lungs are filled with inflammatory cells and fluids, the child will lack oxygen intake and this can lead to death,” said dr. Nastiti.
Dr. Nastiti also explained that there are several risk factors that cause pneumonia in children, including premature birth, low birth weight, and malnutrition., incomplete immunization, not exclusive breastfeeding, lack of vitamins, and exposure to pollution (especially cigarette smoke).
Pay attention to the symptoms of pneumonia
According to dr. Nastiti, pneumonia can begin with symptoms of a common cold cough or cold. In addition, pneumonia is often fatal because the initial symptoms cannot be detected. So, there are several symptoms of pneumonia in children that need to be considered, including:
1. Continuous cough and fever
Early symptoms of pneumonia can resemble a cold or cough and cold (common cold). Symptoms of cough, runny nose, fever, and weakness that indicate pneumonia are generally continuous and longer than if the child has a cold.
2. Difficulty breathing
Pay attention to the breathing ability of your little one, Moms. If he has difficulty breathing, characterized by rapid breathing, flattened nostrils, deep breaths, and blue or pale lips and nails, then he may have pneumonia. Your little one who has difficulty breathing can also be more agitated, fussy, look uncomfortable, and have no appetite.
If you find some of the symptoms above in your little one, then you need to see a doctor immediately so you can get the right treatment.
Steps to Prevent Pneumonia During a Pandemic
Dr. Nastiti stated that during the pandemic there was a decline in immunization acceptance by children. In fact, immunization is one of the main ways to prevent pneumonia for your little one. “This is a particular concern, because during a pandemic, other diseases can appear that can be prevented by immunization, including pneumonia,” said dr. Nastiti.
Some of the immunizations that can help prevent pneumonia are DPT, PCV, HB, influenza, and measles immunizations. Dr. Nastiti emphasized that mothers are not afraid to bring their children to immunize to health centers. He advised mothers to contact the immunization center first to find out about special immunization procedures during a pandemic.
In addition, there are several other preventive steps that Moms can take, including maintaining nutritional quality since pregnancy so that babies are born healthy and have adequate birth weight, and maintaining the quality of children’s nutrition to avoid malnutrition. (Gabriela Agmassini / SW / Doc. Freepik)
Tags: pneumonia, health, toddler, child –
