November 12 is observed as World Pneumonia Day. The day aims to spread and generate the awareness about the severity of the diseases. The day brings out all the people together across the world on a platform to promote the preventive measures and treatment of the disease.
The day was primarily observed in the year 2009, when more than 100 organizations came together and form the Global Coalition against Child Pneumonia. Currently, the global coalition includes over 140 NGOs, academic institutions, government agencies and foundations.

PENUMONIA AND ITS IMAPCT:

It is a disease majorly caused by the inflammations of the airspaces in the lungs. The disease is majorly caused due to an infection in the lungs. There are times when pneumonia can be caused by virus, bacteria or fungi. According to various studies and records it has been seen that at least three out of 20 children are infected by streptococcus pneumonia bacteria.
Pneumonia is being one of the leading causes of deaths for the children under the age of 5 years all across the globe. Nearly one million children under the age of 5 years die due to this disease. As quoted by Indian Academy of Pediatrics, in India one out of every fifth child dies due to pneumonia within every two seconds.

In the year 2015, the total number of deaths that occurred in India due to pneumonia and diarrhea was 2,96,279 as compared to the previous year figure of 2,97,114 deaths. According to pneumonia and diarrhea progress report India has been placed among the top 15 countries of the world. Apart from India there are other 4 countries with the highest pneumonia burden from the world. They are: China, Chad, Somalia and Indonesia.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE:

• Shortness of breath
• Feeling of fatigue
• High fever
• Body shivering
• Cough and cold

TREATMENT AND PREVENTIVE MEASUREMENTS:

There are various treatment methods for pneumonia depending upon the cause of the disease such as antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal drugs. Most bacterial pneumonia cases are treatment at home with the intake of oral antibiotics.
Doctor might recommend over the counter medications for the relief of pain and fever which might include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol).
There are some home remedies also such as:

• Intake of plenty of fluid
• Getting a lot of rest
• Not overdoing by going to school or work too soon

If the condition of the patient gets serious then intravenous antibiotics are given to the patient.
Vaccination is the best preventive measurement. The government of India has introduced pneumococcal vaccine under the immunization scheme. The cost of the vaccine is Rs.3, 600 under children who fall under the age of 15 months requires three doses and booster.
“The most solvable problem in global health is Pneumonia and yet a child dies because of it at every 20 seconds. So let’s take a step ahead on this World Pneumonia Day and ensure the fight against pneumonia is WON.”

More Information Consult our expert,Dr. Deepak Talwar ,Senior Consultant & Chairman - Metro Respiratory Center and Dr. Shalini Tyagi ,Senior Consultant and Head, Paediatrics & Neonatology Department .Call: 9910492867 or email: metro@metrohospitals.com

original article : https://www.quora.com/profile/Metro-Hospital-2/Posts/World-Pneumonia-Day-Protect-your-child-from-Pneumonia?share=1