Pneumonia behind deaths of most children under age 5

THE PROVINCIAL health department treated 43 982 children younger than 5 years old for pneumonia between April last year and March this year.

During the same period 12 953 children under 5 were hospitalised with pneumonia and 29 deaths were recorded in facilities although many deaths also occurred at home.

The department yesterday highlighted that pneumonia was the most prevalent killer of children under the age of 5, as the globe marked World Pneumonia Day yesterday.

Pneumonia is an infectious respiratory disease affecting the lungs, wherein the lungs are filled with pus and fluid, causing difficulty in breathing due to limited intake of oxygen.

The disease is caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi, which can spread through airborne droplets from a cough or a sneeze.

Studies have shown that HIV-infected or HIV-exposed uninfected children have a higher risk of severe pneumonia and death compared with HIV-uninfected children.

“Pneumonia remains a very important, preventable cause of death in children globally causing about 650 000 deaths each year,” Professor Heather Zar of the Red Cross Children’s Hospital and UCT said.

“Childhood pneumonia can also cause long-term impairment of health, setting the stage for development of chronic illness into adulthood.

“We’re fortunate we have a strong immunisation programme

Heather Zar Professor at UCT

“Yet much pneumonia is treatable and preventable. Immunisation, good nutrition and avoiding exposure to smoke and pollution are key to preventing pneumonia in children.

“We’re fortunate that we have a very strong immunisation programme in South Africa that contains the most effective vaccines for preventing pneumonia,” Zar said.

Adequate nutrition is important to improve children’s natural defences, with exclusive breast-feeding for the first six months of a child’s life advised.

Addressing environmental factors such as indoor air pollution and encouraging good hygiene in crowded homes also reduces the number of children who fall ill with pneumonia.

Children who have mothers or family members who smoke are much more susceptible to developing pneumonia and serious illness.

Parents or guardians should take their child to their nearest clinic should they show symptoms or call an ambulance via 10177 from a landline and 112 from a cellphone.