You might not believe this but Pneumonia is one of the top illnesses that most Filipinos suffer from. The sad fact is, more lives were taken away because of this fatal condition. In the year 2004, the mortality rate of pneumonia in the Philippines reached 38.4 percent and we could only hope that the rate will not drastically hike up this year. But what really is pneumonia?
This disease is an inflammatory condition of one’s lungs, more especially on the microscopic air sacs or alveoli of the lung. Pneumonia also occurs when the lungs are filled with fluid which are called consolidation and exudation. This condition has various causes wherein, infection is the most common. Pneumonia is worsened through infecting agents that affect the lungs like bacteria, parasites, fungi and viruses. As for other people might not be aware of, pneumonia can also occur through chemical burns and physical injuries.
In the Philippines, cases of pneumonia can increase during cold seasons (from the month of January to February). There had been reported death cases due to pneumonia in various provinces in the country like Cagayan, Baguio City and Benguet. Why is that, you ask. During cold weathers, one’s lungs need to work harder to get the right amount of oxygen to the body. This is because the high moisture in the atmosphere causes thin air. Most of the people being affected by pneumonia are the young and old ones – those who can’t cope up with the intense cold long enough.
That’s why if you will notice, athletes and boxers (like Manny Pacquiao) are being trained in a place with higher altitude to improve their cardiovascular system. This way, lungs are forced to work double-time in order to provide one’s body with the right amount of oxygen. Now, what are the symptoms of pneumonia? Provided below is a list of symptoms for infectious pneumonia that can occur to anyone:
Cough producing greenish or yellow phlegm
High fever (with shaking chills)
Shortness of breath
Sharp stabbing chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath
Less frequent symptoms of pneumonia:
Headaches
Loss of appetite
Coughing of blood
Sweaty and clammy skin
Nausea
Fatigue
Blueness of the skin
Joint pains or muscle aches
Mood swings
Please be reminded that one existing symptom is not enough to determine that a person has pneumonia. Having an ill person checked-up by a physician is still the best way to find out if one has this disease or not. A physical examination may show other concealed signs of pneumonia like:
Low body temperature
Increased respiratory rate
High heart rate
Low blood pressure
Low oxygen saturation
One should also take note that there are symptoms that are considered as signs of medical emergency like: confusion, breathing difficulties and blue-tinged skin.
Many Filipino people with pneumonia are not being treated due to various reasons. The primary factor is financial problem. Well, hopefully the government will come up with a good plan on how to lessen pneumonia mortality rate this year.
