Pneumonia remains a deadly yet silent killer among children
Per annum, pneumonia manages to kill more children under the age of five on a global scale than AIDS, malaria or Tuberculosis.
This is according to the Weigh-Less organisation that states that by the end of 2015 over a million children will have fallen victim to this silent killer – with approximately 60 000 adults adding to the yearly death toll.
Today (November 12) is International Pneumonia Day.
Pneumonia starts when an individual breaths specific germs in the form of viruses, bacteria and fungi into the lungs.
These unwelcomed guests execute their agenda by infecting the lungs, preventing the host from taking in sufficient amounts of oxygen.
There are none who are immune to pneumonia, but some are more susceptible to the ailment than others.
These include people who have recently had influenza; children below the age of two years; individuals who have a weakened immune system due to medication, cancer treatment or HIV; and people who partake in excessive tobacco and alcohol intake.
Persons over the age of 65 years are also at a higher risk than others.
The symptoms of bacterial pneumonia develop at a rapid rate and can include the following: Chest pains, wheezing, dry cough, nausea and vomiting, fever, and troubled breathing.
Symptoms that will require immediate medical attention include: Skin turning blue (from lack of oxygen), coughing up blood, fever of over 39 degrees Celsius, and an elevated heart rate.
Though these may point to other concerning health issues, any individuals showing these symptoms should seek medical attention at their nearest convenience.
Though there are no foods that can prevent or cure pneumonia, keeping to a correct eating plan while struck down by the malady will ensure correct, speedy recovery.
A balanced meal regime and proper hydration are essential when one has the illness – and when one has it not. Eating whole grain foods, such as brown rice and oats, will provide the body with both carbohydrates and selenium.
The first is the body’s main energy source and the second supports immune system function.
Fresh fruits and vegetables – especially berries, leafy greens, tomatoes and citrus fruits – are essential in providing the body with the proper nutrients, vitamins and minerals as tools to fight off and recover from infections.
* All information supplied by Weigh-Less
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