pneumonia It is an acute respiratory infection caused by different pathogens including viruses, bacteria and fungi, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the leading single cause of infant death worldwide.
Among the main bacterial infections that affect children under 5 and cause pneumonia, Pneumococcal disease comes to the fore.
In Colombia, approx. One in ten children under 5 years old dies from respiratory infections, including pneumococcal pneumonia.
Pneumococcal disease is common and can cause infections of the ears (otitis media), lungs (pneumonia), blood (sepsis), and brain (meningitis) in a child’s first few years of life.
The teenager developed cold symptoms that later turned into pneumonia and toxic shock.
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How to find out in time?
The Merck manual states that pneumococcal bacteria, like other respiratory diseases, are spread from person to person through saliva and/or respiratory droplets and when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
However, it is important to note that some children and adults may Bacteria in your nose and throat but no symptoms of infectionbut they can still spread disease.
symptom
Medical experts emphasize that the symptoms of this disease in children and infants under five years of age can appear as the following:
- fever.
- cough.
- Seizures (in infants).
- Low temperature.
- Unable to breastfeed or drink.
This medication is also used to control conditions such as allergic rhinitis.
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preventive habits
To prevent pneumonia, the Merck Manual provides a series of care guidelines to avoid complications, including:
- Healthy nutrition and drinking water consumption.
- Learn and identify symptoms and risk factors early.
- Make sure vaccination plans are up to date.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after touching your nose and mouth and before handling food
New treatment for pneumonia
Recently, Invima approved a new alternative in the country to prevent this delicate disease.
Carmela Oranges, Medical Director at Merck, stressed that “the approval of this new prevention alternative is good news for Colombia.”
I also highlighted that pneumococcal disease is a priority within the goals of the National Ten-Year Public Health Plan and an opportunity to reduce indicators of infant mortality caused by this disease.
Likewise, if you have questions or suspicions about having this disorder, it is recommended to seek medical attention and/or consult a health professional immediately.