‘No. of pneumonia death of kids high in UP’ | Lucknow News
Lucknow: Pneumonia, a leading causes of death among children under five, particularly those who are malnourished, was discussed on World Pneumonia Day at King George’s Medical University on Thursday.Over 150 faculty members, doctors, paramedical staff and others attended the awareness programme, organised by pulmonary department to educate people about prevention and early diagnosis of pneumonia.Head of the department of pulmonary medicine and critical care, Prof Ved Prakash, said, “Children under five are more prone to pneumonia because of weak immunity. Proper nutrition, clean air, vaccination, and timely treatment can protect them from this life-threatening disease.” He explained pneumonia was a serious infection which began with symptoms like cold and fever quickly leading to short breath and vomiting. “It is a preventable and treatable disease, but delay in treatment can turn fatal. Children with severe pneumonia often require antibiotics and oxygen therapy. Early medical attention can save lives,” he said.Former chairman of department of respiratory medicine at KGMU, Prof Rajendra Prasad, shared data highlighting disease burden in UP and said, “UP has about 18% of India’s children under five years of age but contributes nearly 24% of severe pneumonia cases. Pneumonia accounts for around 26% deaths in the age group. Hospital Management Information System data for 2022–23 states 452 deaths due to pneumonia were reported in UP.” Doctors advise parents to seek medical care immediately if symptoms persist or worsen, especially in children and recommend timely vaccination, hygiene, nutritious diet and guard against exposure to smoke or polluted air.
