In 2015, 920,136 kids under the age of 5 died because of pneumonia. It remains to be “the single largest infectious cause of death in children worldwide,” reports WHO (World Health Organization).
Princess Pagud’s baby was one of those lost to the infectious disease.
The Filipino mom left a comment on our Facebook page, sharing how she lost her 2-year-old a year ago due to severe pneumonia. We decided to reach out to her, wanting to show parents how important it is to be aware of this fatal but preventable condition.
screenshot: TheAsianParent Philippines facebook page
Princess confided in theAsianparent Philippines about what exactly happened to her precious baby and how the tragedy could have been avoided.
“Healthy baby po any baby ko. Nilagnat po siya ng two days ipa-pa-check up ko sana kinabukasan kaso nagsusuka sya ng madaling araw kaya sinugod namin siya sa hospital,” she recalled.
When they got to the hospital, the medical staff hooked her baby to an IV, through which they gave her a medication to stop severe vomiting.
The next day, around noon, her baby started throwing up again. The medication didn’t work…
The next day, around noon, her baby started throwing up again. The medication didn’t work. She had asked for help, but there was only one nurse on duty as most of the staff had left to attend a Christmas party.
“Tumatawag kami ng tulong wala man lang isa na lumapit sa amin, kaya ginawa ko binuhat ko sya at dinala ko sa may emergency kasi nasa ward kami,” she said, adding how her baby was struggling to breathe.
The only nurse on duty hooked her baby to a nebulizer, but it was too late. She recalls screaming for help, but they couldn’t save her baby.
Her baby, who she describes was perfectly healthy, had died because her lungs had filled up with phlegm, making it impossible for her to breathe.
“Gusto ko malinawan lahat kaya kinuha ko abstract record niya at kumunsulta ako sa ibang doctor at talaga daw na merong negligence na nangyari dapat daw e…ni-labolatory kaagad siya at binigyan ng anti bacterial na gamot,” she lamented.*
photo: dreamstime
How can pneumonia be prevented?
- The cause of pneumonia can either be fungi, bacterial, or viral.
- It can be prevented through vaccination, proper nutrition, and through providing the proper environment: avoiding pollution and practicing good hygiene.
- Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life has also been found to help.
- If the cause of the condition is bacterial in nature, it can be treated with antibiotics. Sadly, only 1/3 of children diagnosed with pneumonia receive the needed antibiotics.
How to know if your child might be developing pneumonia
Normally, pneumonia begins as a mild cough or sore throat, much like other respiratory infections.
- fever (usually above 101°F/38.5°C)
- chills
- cough
- rapid breathing
- wheezing
- difficulty breathing
- chest or abdominal pain
- poor appetite
- exhaustion
- vomiting
- dehydration
However, it’s important for parents to know that there is a type of pneumonia, or what is known as Walking Pneumonia, that is so mild and subtle that those who have it barely show any symptoms. Though not easily detected, it can be treated with antibiotics. To learn more about walking pneumonia, click here.
*Princess did not disclose the name of the institution and we cannot verify if there was indeed negligence. We would like to extend our sympathies to Princess and her family.
sources: Kid’s Health, World Health Organization, Baby Center
READ: Anti-pneumonia vaccine: Important information for Pinoy parents