Every year World Pneumonia Day is celebrated on November 12th. This year it will be celebrated along with COP 26 – the UN Climate Change Conference to tackle together health and air quality. Almost a third of all pneumonia deaths were attributable to polluted air. This World Pneumonia Day, ‘Every Breath Counts’ is calling on governments to take action to reduce air pollution-related pneumonia deaths. 

On a global level, pneumonia kills around 2.5 million people with 672,000 being children. It is an acute respiratory infection caused by a virus or bacteria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three deaths in India is caused by pneumonia. We contribute 23% of the global pneumonia cases. Pneumonia in India is the leading cause of infant deaths. Every year almost 200,000 children under age 5 die of pneumonia in India. 

When one suffers from pneumonia they will notice a high fever with/without chills. Oher symptoms are breathlessness, loss of appetite and chest pains. Coughing is quite common. One can cough yellow or greenish discharge. Blood coughs can also occur.

Top Causes of Pneumonia - 

How to Avoid Pneumonia?

To avoid pneumonia one must quit smoking and drinking. Maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Make sure to keep the children away from people having colds and coughs. Use sanitiser when outside. Taking vitamin C supplements can enhance the body’s response to battling diseases.