सर्दियों में बचाएँ बच्चों को निमोनिया से

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. निमोनिया होने पर पीड़ित व्यक्ति के फेफड़ों में सूजन आ जाती है एवं उनमे पस भर जाता है.

Immunize your kids ( Representational image/pic: thehindu)

Pneumonia is the single largest cause of death due to infections in children worldwide. It accounts for 16% of all deaths of children under five years old. As per a study, वर्ष २०१५-१६ में हमारे भारत में करीब ३ लाख से ज्यादा बच्चों की असमय मृत्यु का कारण निमोनिया और डायरिया ही है. 

In order to raise awareness about this, World Pneumonia Day is observed on 12th of November. 

Pneumonia is caused by  infectious agents like viruses, bacteria and fungi, and is transmitted through the viruses and bacteria that are commonly found in a child's nose or throat, can infect the lungs if they are inhaled. They may also spread via air-borne droplets from a cough or sneeze. In addition, pneumonia may spread through blood, especially during and shortly after birth. 

Symptoms of Pneumonia include: 

तेज़ बुखार high fever

कंपकपी chills

सीने/छाती में दर्द pain in chest 

खांसी बलगम cough ( with mucus)

गले में खराश sore throat

Symptoms of Pneumonia in Adults ( pic: skinsheen)

सांस लेने में दिक्कत shortness of breath/wheezing

थकान fatigue 

अत्यधिक पसीना आना excessive sweating

उल्टी/मितली nausea 

धड़कन तेज़ होना fast heart rate 

Risk Factors include:

malnutrition or undernourishment कुपोषण, 

अत्यधिक प्रदूषित हवा, 

साफ़ सफाई का अभाव, 

pre-existing illnesses, HIV infections, measles.

Preventive measures include: 

Immunization against Hib, pneumococcus, measles and whooping cough (pertussis) is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia

Adequate nutrition

Controlling indoor pollution

Wash hands thoroughly

Avoid crowded places 

Stay Healthy..

Dr. Pooja Pathak 

for Swavalamban Rehab 

www.swavalambanrehab.com