Jakarta, CNNI Indonesia —
Day Pneumonia The world today warns people of danger pathology it, especially in children. Know the myths and facts about pneumonia baby.
Pediatrician-respirology consultant Amiruddin Laompo said pneumonia is indeed the cause of the high mortality rates in children. However, this disease can actually be prevented and treated.
“This disease can be prevented by improved nutritional status, vaccinations. Medications are widely available through the physician’s practice. In the hospital, in general, pneumonia can be treated easily as long as it is managed quickly and appropriately,” Amiruddin said in a Live Instagram session with the Association of Indonesian Pediatricians (IDAI), Thursday (10/11).
One of the steps to raise awareness of this dangerous disease is to provide the right information. Here are some myths circulating in society about pneumonia, complete with facts.
1. Just an ordinary cold, no need to be too vigilant
Fact: Most cases of childhood pneumonia start with the common cold or cold.
The common cold or cold is an acute respiratory tract infection. Colds occur in the upper respiratory tract due to viral infections including adenovirus.
Compared to a cold, pneumonia is clearly more serious. Pneumonia attacks the lower respiratory tract to the alveoli or air sacs in the lungs.
However, this does not mean that parents can relax if their child has a cold. Amiruddin said quick cold management could prevent pneumonia.
“As many as 90 percent of pneumonia comes from the common cold. After a while it becomes pneumonia because the bacteria go down to the alveoli,” explained RSUP doctor Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo.
2. Children are safe from pneumonia if they are immunized with PCV
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Illustration. Immunization against PCV does not protect children 100% from the threat of pneumonia. (CNN Indonesia/Safir Makki)
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Fact: PCV immunization protects children from getting worse if they become infected with pneumonia.
Parents are strongly encouraged to complete their children’s vaccinations, including immunization against PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), especially PCV 13 or PCV serotype 13.
“At least if a child takes it, the symptoms are mild. If [PCV] impede [pneumonia] 100 percent is not possible,” he added.
3. Once you get pneumonia, you won’t get it again
Fact: Children can experience recurring pneumonia infections.
Amiruddin said the children are very likely to get a bacterial reinfection causing pneumonia. Reinfection can occur due to several factors such as the child’s immune system and environmental hygiene conditions.
He reminded that if a family member has a cold, it is strongly recommended that they be treated immediately to prevent transmission and trigger the risk of pneumonia infection.
“This is an acute respiratory infection. If it’s acute, there will be an episode. The child gets it, we treat him, he recovers. If he recovers, he recovers. But that doesn’t mean he won’t be affected for the rest of his life “, he said.
Check out more myths about pneumonia in children on the next page..
