Tragically, ten children succumbed to pneumonia in Lahore on Wednesday, marking a distressing surge in the toll of this lung disease.
In the country’s largest province, Punjab, 427 new pneumonia cases were reported in a single day, with Lahore alone registering 149 cases.
The grim statistics for 2024 reveal over 20,000 pneumonia cases in Punjab, resulting in 319 deaths, and within Lahore, 4,050 cases accompanied by 58 tragic deaths.
Health experts attribute the spike in pneumonia-related fatalities to the prevalent air pollution and smog in Lahore.
Pneumonia, an infection affecting the lungs, can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Starting with cold-like symptoms, severe cases may manifest symptoms such as fever, chills, shortness of breath, and coughing up discolored mucus.
Diagnosis involves blood tests, chest CT scans, or X-rays, and treatment includes antibacterial or antiviral medications, with vaccination strongly recommended for the elderly and children under five.
