In Punjab – the largest province – an alarming trend of child deaths due to pneumonia continues, with 10 more children succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours.
According to the Punjab Health Department, the province reported a staggering 427 new cases of pneumonia in the same period, with Lahore alone recording 149 new cases.
The latest figures paint a grim picture, with Punjab witnessing a total of 319 deaths and 20,872 reported cases of pneumonia this year. Lahore reports 58 deaths and 4,050 cases during the same period.
Health experts are sounding the alarm, attributing the rise in pneumonia cases mainly to the dangerous smog engulfing Punjab, which is exacerbated by rampant air pollution during the winter season.
Vaccination measures
In response to the critical situation, on January 11, Dr. Jamal Nasir, Punjab’s caretaker health minister, issued guidelines for compulsory vaccination of children against pneumonia.
Dr. Nasir emphasized that free diagnostic and treatment facilities for pneumonia are available in all government hospitals across the province.
Symptoms and causes
He highlighted the common symptoms of pneumonia, including difficulty breathing, cough, cold and fever.
Preventive measures such as ensuring children are dressed warmly and limiting exposure to cold have been emphasized to protect against pneumonia. The causes of pneumonia in children have been attributed to factors such as lack of breastfeeding, pollution, malnutrition, prolonged exposure to cold and a weakened immune system.
Pneumonia, even in its mild form, can be a significant threat to life. Symptoms include phlegm and cough, fever, sweating profusely or chills, shortness of breath with normal activities, chest pain when breathing or coughing, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and headaches. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on age and health status.
Measures and treatment
Doctors use chest x-rays for accurate information about the lungs in the early stages.
Antiviral medications are being prescribed for cases caused by viruses. Dr. Nasir urged the public to seek medical attention promptly if any symptoms arise.
