Incidence of Childhood Pneumonia in Patients in a Hospital of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. Pneumonia is still a single leading cause of child death, killing 1 child every 35 seconds. It accounts for almost one million deaths every year. Pneumonia is the leading cause of childhood death in Bangladesh. The objective of this study is to observe the comorbidity and clinical symptoms of childhood pneumonia in patients in a hospital in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. A total of 72 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them 22 patients suffered from childhood pneumonia in the pediatric department of the hospital. Two Newborn (>28 days-23 months), 11 infants (>28 days23 months) and 9 children (2-11 year) were included in this study.A questionnaire was developed and some selected questions were asked to the patients. The clinical documents of all 22 patients were collected. Information on patients of pneumococcal condition, respiratory symptoms and signs, co-morbidity, antibiotic and hospitalization, and data on recovery were obtained. The present study shows that people in Bangladesh are still not aware about pneumonia and its risk factor, causes, symptom and treatment. Among 22 patients about 55% children are male and 45% are female. Twelve patients had Community-Acquired Pneumonia.The study revealed that among 22 patients the comorbidity of severe pneumonia and diarrhea was found in 55% patients. Nine patients (41%) had the comorbidity of dysentery with pneumonia. Seven (32%), 1 (5%) and 3 (14%) patients suffered from persistent diarrhea, malaria and influenza respectively along with pneumonia. Fever, shaking chill, cough and fast breathing problem were the common signs and symptoms of pneumonia.Childhood pneumonia in Dhaka city is associated with comorbidities. Common signs and symptoms of pneumonia can be useful for developing strategies for treating the disease immediately.