5,000 children given pneumonia treatment

LAHORE: Around 5,000 children have been treated for pneumonia in the pediatric emergency rooms of Mayo Hospital, Lahore, and Children’s Hospital, Multan, in the last two months.

The doctors in these emergency rooms have saved the lives of 99 percent of all the children reported to these two hospitals with pneumonia in the said period. These ERs are supported by ChildLife Foundation in partnership with the government to improve the emergency services and provide children quality emergency care, round the clock and free-of-cost in the ERs, achieving remarkable results in the fight against this deadly pediatric ailment.

The pediatric emergency rooms of these hospitals are managed with standardised medical protocols for common childhood diseases like pneumonia and ensure early disease identification, timely management with oxygen, bubble CPAP (a non-invasive device for lung inflation), and antibiotics to significantly enhance the chances of saving more children.

It is worth adding here that pediatric Pneumonia is a severe respiratory disease affecting the lungs and it has been exacerbated by poor air quality in cities like Lahore and Multan. The lungs, normally filled with air, become clogged with pus and fluid in pneumonia patients, leading to breathing difficulties and a lack of oxygen. It is pertinent to mention that the International Federation of Emergency Medicine (IFEM) reports 50 percent child mortality can be reduced by improving and optimising emergency rooms in lower-middle-income countries like Pakistan.

Patients advised to avoid fried food during Ramazan

Dean Institute of Public Health Prof Dr Zarfishan Tahir has urged upon the patients suffering from high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stomach and liver diseases to avoid fried foods, pakoras, samosas, spicy dishes, cold drinks in the month of Ramazan and be careful in the consumption of meat because excessive use/overeating of these items can lead to an increase in cholesterol, uric acid, blood pressure, and sugar.

In a statement, she said that the Institute of Public Health considers that promoting public health and raise awareness among people is its responsibility so that the people can protect their health with reference to Ramazan. She advised the patients suffering from liver diseases to observe fasting after consulting their physicians.