Pneumonia is caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), respiratory syncytial virus and Pneumocystis jiroveci are the common types of pathogens that cause pneumonia. This disease accounts for 14% of deaths in children every year.
Pneumonia is highly contagious. As per WHO, the viruses and bacteria that are commonly found in a child’s nose or throat, can infect the lungs if they are inhaled. They may also spread via air-borne droplets from a cough or sneeze. In addition, pneumonia may spread through blood, especially during and shortly after birth.
The common symptoms of pneumonia are breathlessness and/ or pain in breathing. The small sacs present in the lungs called alveoli are filled with pus and fluid which limits the breathing capacity of an individual.
Other symptoms of pneumonia are chest pain, cough, fatigue, low body temperature, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating and chills.
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