Air pollution is harmful to health. For children, exposure to air pollution is one of the risk factors for pneumonia or inflammation of the lung tissue. The cause is a bacterial infection. When the infected lung, the organ can not perform its function, which is to get oxygen to the body.
Every year, pneumonia kills about 1.8 million children under the age of five years, or about 20 percent of all deaths of children under five in the world. Indonesia, according to UNICEF and WHO report in 2006, was ranked sixth in the world. According to a survey in 10 provinces conducted by ARI Sub Health Ministry in the Basic Health Research 2007, 15.5 percent of the causes of death of children under five is pneumonia.
According to Dr. Darmawan BS, SpA (K), Chairman of Respirology Indonesian Pediatric Association, in addition to exposure to pollution, pneumonia can strike babies born with low weight or premature, not given breast milk (ASI) exclusively, not immunized with complete, vitamin A deficiency, and malnourished.
Darmawan explains, the early stages of pneumonia symptoms are usually preceded by symptoms of influenza (fever, cough, and runny nose), and accompanied by headache and loss of appetite.
Pneumonia stage characterized by rapid breathing, nasal flaring, to difficulty breathing. "In the late stage, characterized by breathing with the pull of the chest wall," he said.
Meanwhile, in severe cases, is characterized by a drop in body temperature, seizures, loss of consciousness, can not eat, until the child's skin looks blue.
Dr I Boediman, SpA (K), Division of Respirology staff Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, adding, if it finds a child with symptoms of difficulty breathing, fever, and eating disorders, immediately take the child to the hospital. For children who have difficulty breathing and lack of oxygen, he needs to be treated with the help of oxygen.
In addition, the necessary nutrition to improve the immune system of children. "Especially vitamin A and zinc (zinc)," said Boediman. Good nutrition is useful to prevent an attack of pneumonia or speed healing.
Preventive measures should also be done through immunization. DPT and measles immunization provides immunity against diseases that increase a child's risk of pneumonia. While Hib and pneumococcal immunization provides immunity against the penetration of germs that cause pneumonia.
Environmental factors must also be considered. "Children should be kept away from exposure to cigarette smoke, kitchen smoke, and air pollution," said Boediman. The house should be well ventilated, kept clean, and do not cough or sneeze haphazardly. Because the transmission of pneumonia vulnerable through coughing or sneezing spark. Should cover mouth when coughing or sneezing, wash your hands after coughing / sneezing, and using protective masks.
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