Highlights
- Pneumonia is essentially inflammation of lungs caused by bacteria
- Including foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help
- Pneumonia is described as an infection that inflames air sacs
According to UNICEF, pneumonia is described as an infection that inflames air sacs in one or both lungs. It is also the leading infectious cause of death among children under five. According to the official data, pneumonia kills close to 2,500 children a day. Experts suggest that vaccination, proper nutrition and hygiene may help prevent the disease. India accounts for close to 20% of the global pneumonia deaths. In 2010, pneumococcal pneumonia accounted for approximately 16 per cent of all severe pneumonia cases and 30 per cent of pneumonia related deaths in children under- five years of age in India, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a report earlier this year, while announcing it will include the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in its Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
Experts also suggest measures like adequate nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months and continued breastfeeding up to two years with complementary feeding to help prevent pneumonia. Prevention of indoor pollution from smoking or the use of dung/wood in stoves and maintaining good hygiene is also important to stave off risks of pneumonia.
Pneumonia is essentially inflammation of lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi; therefore including foods with anti-inflammatory properties may go a long way in providing relief. A person suffering from pneumonia must eat a balanced diet full of colourful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and lots of fluids. Pneumonia can be quite a debilitating ailment requiring your body to expend lot of energy, therefore optimum calorie intake is extremely essential to stave off feeling fatigued, weak and to avoid rapid weight loss.
Inputs from IANS