Pneumonia

Infectious disease epidemiology
Pneumonia, causative agents, socio-environmental factors, signs & symptoms, management, prevention

1. PNEUMONIA Dr. P I Muhammed Safeer Assistant Professor Department of PG Studies in Swasthavritta & Yoga VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal

2. Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) that affects the lungs. The alveoli in the lungs are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake. Non infectious types – inhaling aspirating foreign matter or toxic substances, into lungs

3. The populations most at risk children under five years, people aged 65 or over, and people with pre-existing health problems. Caused by a variety of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Symptoms – fever, chills, cough, unusually rapid breathing, wheezing, labored breathing, vomiting, chest pain, abdominal pain, decreased activity.

4. Accounts for 16% of all deaths of children under 5 years old (2015) Can be prevented by immunization, adequate nutrition, and by addressing environmental factors. Pneumonia caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotics , but only one third of children with pneumonia receive the antibiotics they need.

5. Agents Streptococcus pneumoniae   – the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children; Haemophilus influenzae  type b ( Hib ) – the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia; Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most common viral cause of pneumonia In infants infected with HIV,  Pneumocystis jiroveci   is one of the most common cause

6. Mode of Transmission Generally spread by direct contact with infected people. The human nasopharynx is the only natural reservoir for S. pneumoniae and these bacteria along with viruses are commonly found in a child’s nose or throat. Air-borne droplets from a cough or sneeze May spread through blood , especially during and shortly after birth.

7. Presenting features Cough and/or dyspnoea , with or without fever , the presence of either fast breathing or lower chest wall indrawing where their chest moves in or retracts during inhalation. Wheezing is more common in viral infections. Very severely ill infants  unable to feed or drink, unconsciousness, hypothermia and convulsions.

8. Risk factors children whose immune systems are compromised malnutrition or undernourishment , especially in infants who are not exclusively breastfed. HIV infections and measles increase risk

9. People with chronic heart, lung, or liver diseases, or sickle cell anaemia People living with HIV/AIDS or people who have had organ transplants The following environmental factors: indoor air pollution caused by cooking and heating with biomass fuels (such as wood or dung) living in crowded homes smoking.

10. Diagnosis Physical examination: auscultation – wheezing sound on inhalation. bacteriological and/or PCR tests of blood Chest X-Ray: Sputum exam pleural fluid culture Bronchoscopy Urine exam.

11. Treatment Antibiotics Antiviral Rest

12. Prevention Immunization Adequate nutrition Addressing environmental factors such as indoor air pollution (by providing affordable clean indoor stoves, for example) and encouraging good hygiene In children infected with HIV, the antibiotic cotrimoxazole is given daily to decrease the risk of contracting pneumonia.

13. THANK YOU