Pneumonia is a serious acute respiratory infection that primarily affects the lungs. The lungs contain tiny air sacs called alveoli, which normally fill with air during breathing. In pneumonia, these alveoli fill with pus and fluid, making breathing difficult and reducing oxygen intake.
Pneumonia is the leading infectious cause of death in children worldwide, responsible for approximately 922,000 deaths of children under five in 2015, accounting for 15% of all under-five deaths. While it affects children globally, it is most prevalent in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Importantly, pneumonia is preventable and treatable with simple interventions, vaccines, and low-cost medication.
Causes of Pneumonia #
Pneumonia is caused by a variety of infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The most common causes include:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae – leading bacterial cause of pneumonia in children
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) – second most common bacterial cause
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – most common viral cause
- Pneumocystis jiroveci – common in infants with HIV, responsible for up to 25% of pneumonia deaths in HIV-infected infants
How Pneumonia Spreads #
Pneumonia can be transmitted through:
- Airborne droplets – inhaling bacteria or viruses from a cough or sneeze
- Direct inhalation – pathogens in the nose or throat entering the lungs
- Blood transmission – particularly during or shortly after birth
Understanding transmission is critical for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
Symptoms of Pneumonia #
Symptoms of viral and bacterial pneumonia can be similar, but viral infections often present with more pronounced signs.
Common symptoms in children under 5 include:
- Persistent cough and difficulty breathing
- Fast breathing or chest indrawing (retraction of the lower chest wall during inhalation)
- Wheezing (more common in viral infections)
- Fever (may be present or absent)
Severe cases may include:
- Inability to feed or drink
- Unconsciousness
- Hypothermia
- Convulsions
Risk Factors for Pneumonia #
Children with weakened immune systems are at higher risk, including those affected by:
- Malnutrition or undernourishment
- Lack of exclusive breastfeeding
- Pre-existing illnesses such as HIV or measles
Environmental factors also increase risk:
- Indoor air pollution from biomass fuels (wood, dung)
- Crowded living conditions
- Parental smoking
Treatment of Pneumonia #
Most pneumonia cases in children can be treated effectively with antibiotics.
- First-line treatment: Amoxicillin dispersible tablets
- Administration: Usually oral antibiotics prescribed at health centers or delivered by trained community health workers
- Hospitalization: Reserved for severe cases
Prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications and death.
Preventing Pneumonia #
Prevention is key to reducing child mortality. Effective strategies include:
- Vaccination: Immunization against Hib, pneumococcus, measles, and pertussis
- Good nutrition: Ensuring children are well-nourished and exclusively breastfed for the first six months
- Reducing exposure to smoke: Avoiding indoor air pollution and second-hand smoke
- Hygiene practices: Handwashing and minimizing contact with sick individuals
Conclusion #
Pneumonia is a preventable and treatable infection, yet it remains a leading cause of child mortality worldwide. Early recognition, timely treatment, and preventive measures—including vaccination and proper nutrition—are critical to safeguarding children’s health.
By raising awareness and implementing simple interventions, communities can significantly reduce pneumonia-related deaths and improve child survival rates.