The pneumonia is defined as a infection that inflames the air bags of one or both lungs and is potentially fatal, for this reason, a day has been declared to publicize this disease, so that the population understands its causes and how to prevent it.
That is why every November 12 since 2009, the World Day against pneumoniaa date promoted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and by the Global Coalition against Pneumonia Childish.
According to the Mayoclinic portal, the air bags can be filled with liquid or pus (purulent material), causing coughing up phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
This condition can be caused by virus, bacteria and fungi, but the incidence is higher in vulnerable populations due to factors such as malnutrition, lack of access to medical services, contaminated air, and lack of drinking water and basic sanitation.
Every year, the pneumonia causes the death to about 700,000 children children under five years of age, mainly in low- and middle-income countries.
According to data from the UNICEF and the WHOonly in 2021, worldwide, the pneumonia accounted for 22% of deaths among girls and children from 1 to 59 months of age. Meanwhile, in Latin American countries, mortality from pneumonia It is between 10 and 20% in this age group.
Among the risk factors of this disease include: children two years or younger, people 65 years of age or older, being hospitalized, on a machine that helps you breathe (ventilator), people with asthma or heart disease, smokers, or those who have a weakened or suppressed immune system such as people with HIV/AIDS.
As prevent the pneumonia?
Vaccination, practicing good hygiene, not smoking, getting enough sleep, exercising and eating a healthy diet is the best way to prevent pneumonia.
