Children under 5 are more susceptible to pneumonia because of pollution and changing weather

These days, everyone's health is at risk, whether they are children, the old, or the young. It now takes longer to recover from a common cold than it used to, which was typically three to five days.

The number of patients visiting hospitals with breathing problems has increased by around 15% as a result of rising pollution.

The 7-year-old son of Vaishnavi, a resident of Noida's Sector 93, claimed that he had been suffering from a cold and respiratory problems for the past few months. She claimed that despite visiting numerous doctors, none of the suggested medications worked.

As the cold and pollution worsen, more children are developing pneumonia. A increased danger of getting sick exists for those who have not had their vaccinations.

According to paediatrician Dr. D.K. Gupta, children with pneumonia are being admitted to the OPD, and early diagnosis and treatment of the illness are essential.Children need extra attention in the winter, according to Gupta, because they are more likely to develop pneumonia.He advised covering children's ears to protect them from the cold and keeping them properly clothed as preventive steps to assure their safety.

According to Gupta, because of their increased risk of pneumonia during the winter, youngsters require extra attention.He said that two preventative actions that can be performed to safeguard children's safety are to keep them properly clothed and to keep their ears covered to shield them from the cold.He continued by saying that in youngsters, chest wheezing may be an indication of pneumonia.Pneumonia affects the majority of children under the age of five, making it difficult for them to breathe and consume milk.

Additionally, they are prone to other issues including fever, ear infections, diarrhoea, and measles, which is a highly contagious illness brought on by the measles virus.

The measles vaccine is quite efficient at preventing the disease.

When a person with the disease coughs or sneezes, droplets are released into the air. They become infectious when breathed in by a healthy person.

During the pandemic, children's regular vaccinations were compromised, leaving their course of shots incomplete.

Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can contribute to lung infections. In contrast, a cold is a form of allergy that causes a runny nose and throat mucous.

Pneumococcal, PCV 13, and Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccines, among others, help protect kids from bacterial pneumonia.

In order to avoid contracting pneumonia, it is important to routinely wash your hands with soap or handwash, stay away from infected persons, and protect your face with your elbow when you sneeze.

THE SIGNS OF PNEUMONIA

chest pain, particularly when coughing or inhaling

cough that is blood crimson, green, or yellow and produces phlegm or mucus

excessive tiredness

reduced appetite

chills, perspiration, and fever

nausea and diarrhoea