Pneumonia is the third leading cause of death across all ages and is the most common cause of death among children under five years of age in the Philippines. In 2023, pneumonia was the fifth leading cause of death in the country. From 2009-2023, moderate and high-risk pneumonia in both adults and children have been among the top 10 medical cases reimbursed by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
People at risk for pneumonia also include adults over the age of 65; people with preexisting health problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or diabetes; smokers; and people with a weakened immune system due to a chronic condition, chemotherapy, or an organ transplant.
Older people have a higher risk of getting pneumonia, and are more likely to die from it if they develop the infection, warns the American Thoracic Society (ATS), an international professional and scientific society that focuses on respiratory and critical care medicine. Pneumonia can develop in patients already in the hospital for other reasons. Hospital-acquired pneumonia has a higher mortality rate than any other hospital-acquired infection, the ATS said.
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection of the lungs that is most commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. Depending on the severity of the infection, signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include cough; shortness of breath; fever, sweating and shaking chills; fatigue; chest pain; nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; and confusion, especially in older adults.
The lungs are made up of small sacs called alveoli, which fill with air when a healthy person breathes. When an individual has pneumonia, the alveoli are filled with pus and fluid, which makes breathing painful and limits oxygen intake. These infections are generally spread by direct contact with infected people, the World Health Organization explains.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common type of bacterial pneumonia. It is caused by bacteria that live in the upper respiratory tract, and it can spread to others through coughing or close contact. Symptoms include high fever; excessive sweating and shaking chills; coughing; and difficulty breathing, shortness of breath and chest pain.
If pneumonia is caused by bacteria, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Most cases of pneumonia require oral antibiotics. Rest and plenty of hydration can also help people recover quicker. Hospitalization is recommended for severe cases of pneumonia.
The World Health Organization (WHO) offers the following tips to reduce the risk of pneumonia for people of all ages.
Get vaccinated. Pneumonia puts a heavy economic burden on patients and their families, in terms of out-of-pocket payments for medical consultations, medicines, and hospitalization, as well as lost productivity due to sick leaves at work and disruption of school attendance. Getting the right vaccines against pneumonia can prevent or minimize the socioeconomic impact of the disease.
Even with treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially high-risk individuals, may experience life-threatening complications, including bacteria in the bloodstream, difficulty breathing, fluid accumulation around the lungs, and lung abscess. These complications often require costly treatments and prolonged hospitalization. Studies show that pneumococcal vaccination, especially of high-risk individuals, is associated with fewer hospitalizations for pneumonia, fewer deaths, and direct medical care cost savings.
Influenza or the flu is a common cause of pneumonia, especially among younger children, the elderly, pregnant women, or those with certain chronic health conditions. Pneumonia as a flu complication tends to be more severe and potentially fatal, according to the American Lung Association. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends annual flu vaccination to help prevent pneumonia.
The Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) recommends vaccination as the best protection against pneumonia. Pneumococcal vaccines prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death due to pneumonia, stressed the country’s acknowledged authority in pulmonary medicine.
Immunization against Hib, pneumococcus, measles, influenza, and whooping cough (pertussis) is the most effective way to prevent pneumonia, the WHO said. These vaccines are provided for free by the Department of Health (DoH) through the National Immunization Program (NIP). The CDC recommends adults 19-64 with chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, and diabetes, and all adults 65 or older talk to a doctor about pneumococcal vaccination.
Meanwhile, it is important to wash your hands frequently, especially when caring for others who are sick or after blowing your nose, to keep germs from spreading. There is also a need to address environmental factors. Reduce indoor air pollution by providing affordable clean indoor stoves and for individuals to stop smoking.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also crucial. A healthy diet, rest, and getting regular exercise will help you stay well. Adequate nutrition is also key to a strong immune system.
As the National Health Service in the UK stated, “vaccination gives the best protection against pneumococcal infections.”
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
Vaccination protects children, adults vs pneumonia
Philippines Pandemic
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