In support of World Pneumonia Day, 12 November, the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) calls for renewed efforts to prevent and treat pneumonia.
Pneumonia is one of the most preventable and treatable illnesses in global health and yet every minute, 2 children die from this illness. Most (99 percent) deaths occur in low or middle-income countries. Pneumonia in early childhood may also increase the likelihood of developing a chronic lung disease such as asthma or chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD) in adulthood.
Pneumonia is also a common cause of death or illness in the elderly, being the single most common cause of death from infectious disease in this group.
World Pneumonia Day brings people from all over the world together, to demand that efforts are strengthened to fight pneumonia, which is largely preventable and treatable.
Pneumonia is commonly caused by different germs that may be bacteria or viruses. Vaccines are available to protect children from some of the common germs and these can prevent pneumonia.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 4 to 6 months of life, adequate complementary feeding and good nutrition can also help to prevent pneumonia. Avoiding cigarette smoke exposure or indoor air pollution, especially during pregnancy and the early childhood years, is important to reduce the risk of pneumonia and severe illness. Reducing HIV infection and early use of antiretroviral therapy and antibiotics are effective to prevent pneumonia in HIV-infected children and adults.
