Pneumonia claims ten children’s lives in a single day

LAHORE: Pneumonia claimed the lives of ten children in a single day in Lahore on Wednesday.

The lung disease has claimed hundreds of lives in the country’s largest province since January. According to the health department, Punjab reported 427 new cases of pneumonia in a single day, with Lahore alone registering 149 cases during the same period.

Over 20,000 pneumonia cases have been reported in Punjab in 2024, resulting in 319 deaths. Within the provincial capital, Lahore, 4,050 cases were registered, accompanied by 58 tragic deaths.

Read More: Pneumonia claims 11 more lives in Punjab

Medical experts attribute the spike in pneumonia-related deaths to the prevailing air pollution and smog in Lahore especially.

Pneumonia is an infection that develops within the lungs and is caused by either bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It usually begins with cold-like symptoms, and more serious cases can exhibit symptoms such as fever, shaking chills, shortness of breath, and coughing up yellow, or bloody mucus.

The disease can be diagnosed either via blood tests, chest CT scans, or X-rays. Treatment typically entails antibacterial or antiviral medications, along with vaccination especially recommended for the elderly and children under five.