NAN-H-49
Diagnosis
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja, Nov. 12, 2016 (NAN) A Consultant Paediatrician at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr Kunle Otuneye, on Saturday said early diagnosis of pneumonia was crucial in preventing death of children under five years.
Otuneye said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja to commemorate the World Pneumonia Day.
He explained that pneumonia was an acute respiratory infection that affected the lungs, making breathing difficult and painful.
He said that one in five children died globally from pneumonia every year, adding that it was a preventable and treatable illness with improved sanitation, vaccines and antibiotics.
“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 is however important in combating the deadly infection.
“Saving children from pneumonia requires urgent attention and it includes recognising the danger signs such as cough and difficulty in breathing and swallowing,’’ he said.
He stressed that the impact of pneumonia was most potent among the rural communities, but could be prevented with simple interventions.
Otuneye said the treatment of pneumonia should be focused on ensuring that every sick child had access to right care from community-based health workers and in all health facilities.
He said that it was important to keep children away from anyone presented with the symptoms of pneumonia, which included running nose, sore throat, cough and respiratory infection.
He, 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 consultant advised nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies exclusively for the first six months to help in protecting the children from pneumonia and other infectious diseases.
He added that children and adults should be immunised against the deadly disease as well as consult their doctors during any outbreak of the infection.
Otuneye listed good nutrition, hand washing, sanitation, hygiene, cross ventilation in homes, environment free of pollution and fumes as factors that could help in preventing pneumonia in adults and children.
NAN reports that WHO and UNICEF integrated global action plan for pneumonia and diarrhea aims to accelerate pneumonia control with a combination of interventions to protect, prevent, and treat pneumonia in children.
The report says the action plan includes promoting exclusive breastfeeding and adequate complementary feeding, with vaccinations, hand washing with soap and reducing household air pollution.
NAN reports that World Pneumonia Day is celebrated on Nov. 12 every year. (NAN)
TIM/OPI/OPI
Edited by Olisa Ifeajika