Understanding Pneumonia: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Options

News Desk
Islamabad: At least two children have succumbed to pneumonia in Lahore during the last 24 hours, health sources said on Tuesday.
Punjab has seen a surge of 316 new pneumonia cases, with Lahore alone reporting 87 new cases in the past 24 hours.
It’s important to note the significant toll pneumonia has taken this year, with 462 deaths attributed to it in Punjab and 75 in Lahore.
The total reported cases stand at 36,712 in Punjab and 8,276 in Lahore.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection within the lungs, commonly caused by viruses and often following cold symptoms. It can manifest as mild or severe and is particularly prevalent among children under five.
Child health experts attribute the increasing cases of pneumonia in Punjab to the smog resulting from winter air pollution this year.
Causes of Pneumonia
While pneumonia can be manageable for healthy individuals, it poses significant challenges for children.
Contributing factors to pneumonia in children include insufficient breastfeeding, pollution, malnutrition, prolonged exposure to cold, and weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Even mild pneumonia symptoms can be serious. These may include cough with phlegm, fever, excessive sweating or chills, difficulty breathing during routine activities, chest pain when breathing or coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and headaches.
Symptoms may vary based on age and health status, with infants sometimes exhibiting no symptoms, but potentially showing signs like nausea, lethargy, or feeding difficulties.
Treatment
Medical diagnosis typically involves a chest X-ray to assess lung condition accurately. Antiviral medications are prescribed for pneumonia caused by viruses.
Pneumonia treatment is crucial, especially for children under five who are more susceptible to its effects.