care for pneumonia Image Credit source: Getty Images
As soon as the cold season starts, problems like cold and cough increase. During this time the risk of pneumonia also increases. This is a serious infection that affects the lungs. Viruses and bacteria spread rapidly during cold weather and due to weak immunity of children, they quickly become vulnerable to it. The risk of infection further increases due to exposure to dirt, pollution and cold air. Therefore, it is very important to protect children from cold and infection in winter.
pneumonia When this happens, the child shows symptoms like high fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, chest pain and loss of appetite. Sometimes the child’s face or lips may turn blue, which is a sign of lack of oxygen. If timely treatment is not received, this infection can spread to the blood or other organs, due to which the situation can become serious. It can also prove fatal in small children or newborns, so contact a doctor immediately as soon as symptoms appear.
Care and nutrition for children with pneumonia
Dr. Sunny Lohia, Pediatrics at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Jaipur It is said that it is most important to provide rest and warmth to the child suffering from pneumonia. Keep the room clean and slightly warm. Dress the child in warm clothes and protect him from cold wind. Give the medicines prescribed by the doctor on time and complete the entire course, even if the child starts looking fine. Give the child light, nutritious and easily digestible food like soup, lentil water, moong khichdi or porridge. Continue giving mother’s milk or lukewarm milk as it gives strength to the body.
Include fruits rich in Vitamin C like papaya, orange, banana and apple, which help in increasing immunity. Keep giving sufficient amount of lukewarm water to the child so that there is no dehydration in the body. Do not give cold things, cold drinks, ice cream and fried food as these can increase the infection. Allow the child to take complete rest and keep him away from sudden cold or crowded environment. If the child has difficulty breathing, high fever or persistent cough, contact the doctor without delay. With timely care the child can recover quickly.
This is also important
Do not take the child to crowded or polluted places.
Clean the child’s nose from time to time so that there is no problem in breathing.
Give balanced sleep and rest to the child.
Do not smoke in the house.
If symptoms increase, consult a doctor immediately.