Early Diagnosis, Key To Preventing Fatalities From  Pneumonia -Paediatrician

A consultant paediatrician at the Isolo General Hospital Lagos, Dr Mary Akintomide, says that early diagnosis of pneumonia is crucial in preventing death of children under five years old.
Akintomide speaking with newsmen on Monday in Lagos described pneumonia as an acute respiratory infection that affects the human  lungs, thus making breathing difficult and painful.
She said that one in every  five children dies globally from pneumonia every year, but  that it was a preventable and treatable illness with improved sanitation, vaccines and antibiotics.
According to her, pneumonia is a dangerous infection with a lot of complications, if not detected early and properly treated.
“Pneumonia is one of the biggest killer-diseases of children under five years globally.
“Early diagnosis, intervention and awareness to protect, prevent and treat pneumonia are, however, important in combating the deadly infection.
“Saving children from pneumonia requires urgent attention that  includes recognising the danger signs such as coughing and difficulty in breathing and swallowing,’’ she said.
She stressed that the impact of pneumonia could be  most potent among the rural communities, but could be prevented with simple interventions.
Akintomide said  that the treatment of pneumonia should be focused by  ensuring that every sick child had access to right care from community-based health workers and other health facilities.
She said that it was important to keep children away from anyone presented with the symptoms of pneumonia such as : running nose, sore throat, cough and respiratory infection.
She, however, stated that there were effective vaccines against the two most common causes of pneumonia, which include Haemophilus Influenzae type B and Streptococcus Pneumonia.
The pediatrician advised nursing mothers to  always breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months to help in protecting the children from pneumonia and other infectious diseases.
She added that children and adults should be immunised against the deadly disease  while parents should  consult their doctors during any outbreak of the infection.
Akintomide listed good nutrition, hand washing, sanitation, hygiene, cross ventilation in homes, environments  free of pollution and fumes as factors that could help to prevent pneumonia in adults and children.