Pneumonia claims life of one child in every two minutes in India, here is how you can prevent this disease

Over the last decade, doctors throughout the world have made significant strides in medical science. After medical science has reached such an advanced stage, it is really very unfortunate to lose a bunch of young lives each and every day across the country.

While in today's world, people are fighting battles against diseases like cancer, pneumonia is claiming the life of one child under five every two minutes in India. According to reports, three out of 20 children are infected with Streptococcus Pneumonia bacteria.

"But in many cases, the cost is high because increasingly bacteria are resistant to drugs like amoxicillin. The second line of treatment is expensive and costs a ton and worse there is no guarantee of the outcome," Dr C Satheesh, president, Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Chennai was quoted as saying.

While pneumonia is generally caused by viruses, bacteria or fungi, a healthy lifestyle vaccine and timely medical intervention may keep the life-threatening disease away.

Talking about this dreadful condition all over the country, Dr Satheesh said, "The government of India has included pneumococcal vaccine under the immunisation scheme, but it is now available only in select states. It may take time to launch the vaccine in Tamil Nadu, but parents who can afford it should vaccinate their children"

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Besides arranging a series of awareness drive program, doctors suggest timely vaccination breastfeeding for up to five months, nutritious diet, pollution control, hygiene and immunisation to prevent the disease.

"It is important to give children the vaccine. It prevents illness and suffering.Also, parents spend more when the child is infected," Kanchi Kamakoti Child Trust Hospital medical director Dr S Balasubramanian explained while talking about the same.

"It's now proven beyond doubt that vaccines are effective. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies, governments and aid donors need to come together to make the vaccine price more affordable to save more lives," Dr S Balasubramanian added further.

Symptoms of Pneumonia:

Symptoms include a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing. Sharp pain in the chest, fever, chills, dehydration, fatigue, loss of appetite, malaise, clammy skin, or sweating, fast breathing, shallow breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing are also among those Symptoms, you should take care of.

Treatment:

Antibiotics can treat many forms of pneumonia. Some forms of pneumonia can be prevented by vaccines.

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Medications:

Antibiotics and Penicillin antibiotic

Supportive care:

Oxygen therapy, Oral rehydration therapy, and IV fluids

Consulting an Infectious Disease Doctor, Lung Specialist, Primary Care Provider (PCP), and Respiratory Therapist for further medical advice is the best way to deal with the disease.