Negros health office issues warning vs pneumonia

Health officials in Negros Occidental warned the public to take precautions against pneumonia, which they said may occur due to rapidly changing weather conditions. Provincial health officer Ernell Tumimbang said coughing, sneezing, fever with cough or shortness of breath may trigger pneumonia, cases of which he said are rising. “We are on alert because pneumonia cases are increasing, among children and adults," Tumimbang said, according to a report on Visayan Daily Star. He said early prevention and treatment can help avoid the need for hospitalization. Citing records of the Department of Health in 2007, he noted pneumonia was the second leading cause of deaths in the country. People with infectious pneumonia often have cough, fever accompanied by shaking chills, shortness of breath, sharp or stabbing chest pain during deep breaths, confusion, and an increased respiratory rate. In the elderly, confusion may be the most prominent symptom. Symptoms of pneumonia in children aged below five include fever, cough, and fast or difficult breathing. The Department of Health earlier advised the public to take precautions against pneumonia as the cold season arrives. — KG/RSJ, GMA News