World Pneumonia Day: Everything you want to know about Pneumonia

World Pneumonia Day is observed on November 12^th each year around the world. The objective behind this day is to encourage people to spread awareness about the prevention, treatment and generate action to fight the disease. Though, children killed due to pneumonia have gone down but still there’s lack of knowledge among the masses. Here’s how to prevent pneumonia.

Currently, there is no vaccine which can prevent all forms of pneumonia. At present, there are two pneumococcal vaccines in the market. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or PCV is suggested for children under 5. Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV is suggested for children who are at least 2 or older with a compromised immune system. Additionally, the vaccine can also administered to adults who are at an increased risk of getting pneumonia. The vaccine can be given if you:

• Are above 65 years of age
• Are a chain smoker
• Consume alcohol in large quantity
• Suffer from diseases such as diabetes, asthma, lung disease, or heart disease
• Have cirrhosis of the liver
• Have HIV/AIDS, damaged spleen or kidney failure
• Have sickle cell disease
• Have cochlear implants
• Are receiving cancer treatment such as chemotherapy

Pneumonia vaccination will not prevent all forms of pneumonia. However, it will minimise the chances of getting life-threatening complications. Other vaccines used to prevent pneumonia include measles, flu and chickenpox vaccination.

How to treat pneumonia effectively

The knowledge of how to treat pneumonia is equally important with that of how to prevent pneumonia. The treatment of pneumonia involves the prevention of symptoms and cure of the infection. If you are suffering from community-acquired pneumonia, then this can be treated at home with the right medicines. The symptoms will ease after a few days or weeks, although the feeling of tiredness may remain for a month or so. The treatment of pneumonia depends on the type and extremity of the condition, patients' age and overall health. The treatment options may include:

• Antibiotics: These medicines are effectively used when pneumonia is caused by bacteria. Although it may take some time to identify the type of bacteria that causes your infection, the doctor will be in a position to choose the best antibiotic to treat it. If symptoms persist, then a change in medication may be required.
• Medicines for cough: This is a medicine used to reduce a cough so that the patient can have enough rest. A cough plays an essential role in removing fluid from the lungs, so it should not be eliminated completely.
• Pain Killers: You may take pain killers to ease pressure and discomfort, including ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen among others.