Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, usually caused by bacteria or viruses, that fills the small air sacs with fluid. It is one of the main causes of death in young children in Afghanistan and is also dangerous for older people and anyone with weak health. With early treatment most people recover fully.
Symptoms
- Cough, often with yellow or green phlegm
- Fever, sweating and shaking chills
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Chest pain when breathing in or coughing
- In children: chest sucking in with each breath, poor feeding, unusual sleepiness
- Tiredness and loss of appetite
Causes
- Bacteria, most often pneumococcus
- Viruses, including flu and COVID-19
- A chest infection that follows a cold or flu
- Indoor smoke from cooking fires, heaters and tobacco
- Malnutrition, old age, diabetes or other conditions that weaken the body
Prevention
- Complete all childhood vaccines, including pneumococcal, pentavalent and measles vaccines
- Breastfeed only for the first 6 months, then continue breastfeeding with good food
- Cook in a well-ventilated place and keep smoke out of living rooms
- Do not smoke, and never smoke near children
- Wash hands often with soap
- Older adults and people with long-term illness should ask about flu vaccine
Treatment
- Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor — finish the full course even when you feel better
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids; keep breastfeeding babies
- Paracetamol for fever and pain
- Hospital care with oxygen for severe pneumonia, especially in babies and older people
- A follow-up visit to make sure the infection is clearing
- Do not start antibiotics or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
How can I tell if my child has pneumonia and not just a cold?
Count your child's breaths for one full minute while calm. Breathing that is fast for their age, or a chest that sucks in with each breath, are warning signs of pneumonia. Take the child to a health worker the same day.
Is pneumonia contagious?
The germs that cause pneumonia can spread through coughs and sneezes, but not everyone who catches them gets pneumonia. Covering coughs, washing hands and vaccines lower the risk.