Based on 2010 records, pneumonia is the number one cause of death in children in the Philippines.
The disease is characterized by an infection on the lining of the air sacs, which may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
In an interview on dzMM, Dr. Katrina Florcruz, a pediatrician, explained that there are some types of pneumonia that do not have symptoms.
In children, it is better for parents to monitor the condition of their children to know when to get them checked.
"Ang mahirap po kasi sa bata, hindi po sila marunong magsabi kung anong nararamdaman. Madalas lang po nakikita natin, iritable o kaya lupaypay," Florcruz said.
It is also essential to count the number of breaths per minute. For children younger than 10 months, less than 50 breaths per minute is normal, while less than 40 breaths per minute is normal for children aged one to five.
Less than 30 breaths per minute is normal for children five years and older.
Aside from difficulty in breathing, some children may also be irritable, and may suffer from skin discoloration, which is a sign that the pneumonia is already severe.
In certain cases, the parent must bring their child to the hospital even when they do not have cough or colds.
Some children also suffer from aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when fluid enters the child's lungs. This may happen when a child is overfed, or when the child is fed while in a lying position.
"Halimbawa, kung ang laman ng tiyan ay biglang bumalik, pwede po kasi siyang pumunta sa baga, and that can be a cause for pneumonia," Florcruz said.
To prevent aspiration pneumonia, parents are advised to be careful in feeding their children, especially when they have a cough.
According to Florcruz, a lot of children die from pneumonia because parents are not aware that the disease is treatable and preventable.
A vaccine against pneumonia can be given to a child as early as six weeks after birth. The doctor will then prescribe a schedule for the remaining shots.
In case a child is already infected, Florcruz advises bringing him or her to a doctor for proper treatment.
November 12 is World Pneumonia Day.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
