When pneumonia hits

CONSISTENT coughing, fever, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, vomiting and sometimes cold chills could just be signs of the common cold or of infuenza. And while this may be the case, paediatrician at Gateway Plaza, Old Harbour Dr Anona Griffith said that these symptoms could also be tell-tale signs of a more serious condition — paediatric pneumonia.

“Pneumonia is the term used to describe infection of the lungs [the lower part of the respiratory tract]. This is the main part of the respiratory system that is responsible for the exchange of oxygen from inspired or breathed-in air into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide that is passed out of the bloodstream into the air to be expired,” Dr Griffith said.Pneumonia, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund, is responsible for the deaths of approximately three million children across the world annually. Dr Griffith explained that the infection, which is commonly caused by viruses followed by bacteria as well as other organisms, is mainly airborne and transmitted to young children from other infected persons in their environment.She listed some of the common organisms as influenza, rhinovirus, para-influenza virus, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and streptococcus pneumonia as being notorious for causing the severe form of the condition. Dr Griffith said that while anyone can get pneumonia, children are particularly susceptible because their immune system and lungs aren’t fully developed. She said, however, that there are some groups of children who are at an increased risk of contracting severe pneumonia. These include:• Children with sickle cell disease• Congenital heart disease, especially when associated with heart failure• Children who were premature at birth and required supplemental oxygen for breathing for a prolonged period after birth• Children whose immune systems are immune-compromised, such as those with cancer and undergoing chemotherapy• Children on high doses of prolonged steroid therapy and children who are HIV-infected.She pointed out that certain environmental conditions and practices also contribute to the development of pneumonia, among these being smoking, pollution, and overcrowding.When a child develops pneumonia, Dr Griffith explained that the infection is often accompanied by inflammation. This, in turn, causes the swelling of the airways and the production of excessive amounts of mucus.“The airways are naturally equipped with cells that help to remove small particles and debris from the airways; however, in the presence of infection and inflammation, these become overwhelmed and disable their ability to clear the airway. This leads to a decrease in effective gaseous exchange, shortness of breath, an increase in respiratory rate, coughing and fever,” Dr Griffith continued.She added that a diagnosis of pneumonia is made, based on the history of the condition as well as the examination findings. Blood investigations will assist in further identifying the causative agents and the degree of respiratory compromise caused by the infection. In addition, X-rays are used to identify the portion of lung affected. Other imaging sources may be useful as well, and are ordered as needed. To treat this condition, Dr Griffith said that antibiotics are required. However, severe cases may require hospitalisation.—Penda Honeyghan