Pneumonia

                Pneumonia is the inflammation of the lungs tissue. It can be lobar pneumonia affecting one or lobes of lungs or bronchopneumonia broncho pneumonia is a descending infection of bronchi and is wide spread and patchy in distribution lobar pneumonia is of ten caused by pneumococci whereas broncho pneumonia often occurs as the complication of  of other condition such as measles, malnutrition, whooping cough and gastroenteritis.

               Pneumonia can occur in any age group but is more common in infants and young children.

Causative agent:

·       Bacteria: Pneumococcus, Streptococcus ,haemophillus and

                Staphylococcus

·       Viral:      Influenza Virus, Para influenza Virus

·       Others:  Fungus, Protozoa, aspiration and chemical pneumonitis by

              various agents eg. kerosene.

Pre-disposing factors:

a. Environment Pollution

b. Cold climate

c. Low socio-economic condition

d Over crowding

e. Low birth weight and malnutrition

f. Family history of bronchitis

g. Measles

h. Large family size

Sign and Symptoms:

a. Tachypnoea

b. Chest indrwing

c. Headache and chills

d. Cough and high fever (102/F-104/F).

e. Difficulty in feeding and cyanosis.

f. Nasal flaring and grunting.

Diagnosis:

Ø  History taking and physical examination.

Ø X-ray finding.

Ø Routine blood examination.

Complication:

Ø Plural effusion, empyema, pyopneumothorax.

Ø Pericarditis, bronchiecatasis, endocarditis, gullian barre syndrome, hypotension, shock,acute, renal failure.

Observation:

Ø Physical condition eg latergy, pattern of sucking.

Ø Respiratory rate i.e nasal flaring, grunting, chest indrawing.

Ø Vital signs i.e temperature and respiratory rate.

Health education:

Preventive Measure:

To build up body’s resistance by:

Ø Promoting breast feeding.

Ø Giving adequate supplementary food.

Ø Immunizing the child against infection disease as per EPI schedule.

Ø To keep the child away from indoor smoke and dust.

Ø To keep the child in well ventilated and less crowded area.

Ø Put on seasonal clothes.

Health education to Pneumonia patient:

Ø Keep the patient in lateral or semi sitting position so that it helps to excrete secretion and prevent chocking.

Ø Proper oxygenation by nasal canola if saturation in not maintain.

Ø Avoid feeding if baby is unable to feed.

Ø Avoid feeding in lying position.

Ø Maintain fluid and electrolyte by breast feeding or by giving hot soup  and if not taking orally given by I.V fluids.

Ø Keep the baby warm and comfortable.