Pneumonia Cases on The Rise in Children During Winter

Mumbai: The cases of pneumonia in kids spiked owing to fluctuating temperatures and high humidity for over a week. A large number of children are taking around 15 days to bounce back from flu with colds, coughs, fever, runny nose, diarrhoea, and weakness. It is imperative for children to get pneumonia and flu vaccines as suggested by the doctor, keep their hands clean, prevent infection, disinfect surfaces that are touched a lot, do breathing exercises, and eat a well-balanced diet.Just like joint pain, skin problems, the common cold, and sore throat, pneumonia is also a common occurrence. Pneumonia means the infection of one or both of the lungs seen due to bacteria, viruses, fungi, or chemical irritants. It is not only limited to adults but even children & New-born. Currently, there is a dramatic rise in the cases of pneumonia in children.

“Winter is synonymous with respiratory health issues. Constant changes in the weather led to various health problems. The hospital sees around 7 cases on a weekly basis with complaints of respiratory infection and shortness of breath. Other common symptoms are coughing, sneezing, an increased respiratory rate, chest pain. Pneumonia happens as one remains indoors during winter and tends to come in contact with fungi, bacteria, and virus. It has higher mortality and morbidity rates in children. Moreover, pneumonia is droplet infections and spreads from one person to another via sneezing or coughing. During chilly days, one’s immunity takes a hit, damaging the airways and causing a bacterial infection. Children with weak immunity having chronic lung problems such as asthma, bronchitis, congenital heart disease, kidney disease and other respiratory conditions are prone to pneumonia. It is fatal and can lead to severe lung damage. It is necessary to treat the child on time to avoid any serious complications” said Dr Prashanth Moralwar, Consultant Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospital Kharghar

Dr Moralwar added “Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the alveoli of the lungs and needs prompt management. To prevent pneumonia, children should avoid overcrowding, try to limit contact with sick people, cover the nose and mouth while coughing, take pneumonia and flu vaccines, wash hands thoroughly, eat foods containing all the vital nutrients, and do breathing exercises as suggested by the doctor. Keep the children warm during winter, give them warm liquids to drink, use a humidifier at home and stay away from pollution.”

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