World Pneumonia Day 2022: ToneOp

Be aware and save your loved ones from pneumonia! 

Pneumonia is a contagious infection with some flu-like symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The severity depends on how the germ causes pneumonia, which affects the individual's overall health.

World pneumonia day is celebrated on 12th November every year to spread awareness regarding the health hazards of pneumonia.

The first world pneumonia day was celebrated on 12th November 2009. Pneumonia is a treatable disease that sickens millions of children under five and kills 1.6 million yearly. 

In this blog, we will take a long walk and talk about pneumonia, its types and effects. 

So, what are you waiting for? Keep on scrolling! 

What Is Pneumonia? 

Pneumonia is a bacterial infection caused by the lungs, fungi and viruses. The main sign of pneumonia is that the air sacs in the lungs get filled with fluids and mucus, making breathing hard. Other than that, the airways become inflamed, and you feel swelling in your lungs.

Why Is World Pneumonia Day Celebrated? 

The aim of celebrating WORLD PNEUMONIA DAY is to spread awareness about the severity of the disease. This condition is neglected in many places. Therefore it is celebrated to draw the attention of the public globally.

The year when the first World Pneumonia Day was observed, it was killing around 1.2 million children each year. However, within four years of observing this day on an international and global scale, in 2013, WHO (World Health Organisation)  and UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) launched an Integrated Global Action Plan to prevent and control pneumonia and diarrhoea. 

In the next four years, to establish as much control over pneumonia and diarrhoea, the first public-private partnership to support government achieve the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (G.A.P.P.D.) was made and named Every Breath Counts.

What Are The Types Of Pneumonia? 

Doctors usually describe pneumonia as where you get the infection. Therefore, here we have listed a few types of pneumonia for your better understanding. Have a look! 

1. Bacterial Pneumonia 

Bacteria is the root cause of pneumonia in adults. You can get it when an infected person sneezes or coughs in front of you. The bacteria-filled droplets get into the air, where you can inhale them into your nose or mouth.

If you have a weak immune system, your chances of getting pneumonia are high. 

2. Viral Pneumonia 

The virus is the second most common cause of pneumonia. The virus, which causes respiratory tract infection, mainly in the windpipe, lungs, nose, and throat, causes Pneumonia (Influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-Cov-2. The same virus that causes flu and cold also causes pneumonia.

3. Fungal Pneumonia 

Fungi are the less common cause of pneumonia. You will not get fungal pneumonia if you are healthy. However, the chances increase when your immune system is weak. 

4. Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia 

You can catch this during a visit or a stay in a hospital. It can be serious as the bacteria causing pneumonia can resist antibiotics. You do this if you are on breathing machines or can not cough strongly to clean your lungs. 

5. Community-Acquired Pneumonia 

This is a term used when the hospital does not infect you. Bacteria, viruses or fungi can cause it. However, vaccines can help you protect against the flu virus and bacteria. 

What Are The Sign And Symptoms In Children Of Pneumonia?

Every child's signs and symptoms vary according to the severity, age and infection. The common symptoms are:

• Cough
• Breathing heavily
• Sweating, chills
• Chest pain
• Vomiting
• Less appetite
• Fatigue
• Fever
• The pale colour of the skin
• Less urine production
• Cranky

Dietary Guidelines For Pneumonia Management

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can assist in reducing the symptoms of pneumonia while also assuring a quick recovery. In addition, the proper amount of nutrient-dense foods on the plate aids in lung preservation and provides you with the energy to battle the illness. 

Here we have listed a few foods that are good for lung health. 

1. Green Leafy Vegetables 

Green leafy veggies have a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamins A and C, dietary fibre, potassium, and many others essential in treating respiratory infections like pneumonia. 

2. Coffee 

Caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties and polyphenols, which are both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. According to research, regular coffee consumption is associated with healthier lungs. Moreover, coffee also helps in lung detox. 

3. Citrus Fruits 

have a great quantity of vitamin C and antioxidants, which helps to enhance immunity. Therefore, aids in combating the symptoms of pneumonia. Include oranges, kiwis, and different berries and grapefruits in your diet. 

4. Whole Grains 

Whole grains are beneficial to your lungs. Whole-grain foods are abundant in fibre, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

As well as vitamin E, selenium, and essential fatty acids, all of which are beneficial to lung health. Brown rice, whole-wheat bread, pasta, oats, quinoa, and barley are among them.

Dietitian’s Recommendation 

Pneumonia is one of the severe lung disorders which causes the air sacs of the lung to fill with mucus and other fluids. Which blocks breathing and becomes severe with time if not treated properly.

Here are some tips to keep your lungs clean:

• You should gargle with salt water to reduce the soar throat 
• You can drink herbal tea like turmeric and ginger tea which will help to break down the mucus from the lungs
• Have more fluids like peppermint tea, coffee, electrolyte water etc. which will help to liquefy the stored mucus from the lungs.

-Dietitian Akshata Gandveikar 

The Final Say 

Pneumonia is an infection caused by fungi, viruses and bacteria. It hampers immunity, and the air sacs of the lungs get filled with mucus and other fluids. As a result, it causes fever, soar throat, chills, heavy breathing and other signs. 

So, taking care of the lungs is essential, and the WHO has initiated world pneumonia day from 12th November 2009 every year.

FAQs

1. Are the symptoms of pneumonia for children and adults the same?

No! The symptoms are different for adults and children.

2. Why is pneumonia severe and life-threatening?

In pneumonia, the lungs get blocked with mucus which causes symptoms like fever, soar throat and other signs and symptoms which can lead to death also if untreated.

3. Which fluids are to be taken while suffering from pneumonia symptoms?

You can simply have warm turmeric and tulsi water to lower symptoms.

3. Is the treatment for pneumonia available?

Yes, the treatment for pneumonia is available in every healthcare 

centre in every country easily.

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