Incidence of Pneumonia in the Philippines During Cold Months
The incidence of pneumonia during cold months in the Philippines (January-February) could increase. Reports on TV already indicated deaths in Baguio City, Benguet, Cagayan and even in Ilocos Norte (where I live). Pneumonia is a respiratory disease which often affects children and the elderly. The cold months in the Philippines will definitely affect these groups because the air is thin due to the high moisture in the atmosphere.
During times like this, our lungs work harder in order to transport the required oxygen throughout our entire system to keep our organs functioning well. This is because during cold months, our bodies get lesser amounts of oxygen. Boxers even train in high altitudes to increase cardiovascular strength and stamina because their lungs are forced to work harder. On the other hand, for non-athletes, the cold weather can be very unfriendly.
According to health experts, the medical term pneumonia actually covers over 50 respiratory illnesses which concern the function of the lung’s air sacs, or alveoli. There are a number of irritants which can cause pneumonia to develop, including bacteria, viruses, mycoplasm, fungi and chemicals. Once one of these irritants manages to bypass the body’s natural defenses, an infection forms in the deepest part of the lungs. As the body releases white blood cells to fight off this infection, fluids fill up the alveoli and bronchi. It is this fluid build-up and subsequent illness that many of us consider pneumonia.
Viral pneumonia is the most common form, although ironically it doesn’t always produce the worst symptoms. Many people contract viral pneumonia shortly after another upper respiratory disease has already formed. Viruses expelled from the lungs through coughing may be re-aspirated into the air sacs and form a new infection. Patients with viral pneumonia may notice a gradual increase in symptoms, starting with a persistent cough and leading to high fever and nausea. Severe cases of viral pneumonia may require hospital treatment, but many doctors suggest allowing the infection to run its course over a few weeks.
In the Philippines, pneumonia sometimes leads to death because cases of pneumonia, especially in the barrios, are left untreated either because of knowledge deficit about the symptoms of pneumonia or lack of money to pursue treatment. These factors usually aggravate pneumonia and reflects the type of healthcare a country has. I will update this post in the near future to discuss the Philippine healthcare system from a researcher’s point of view. I know many Filipinos are not given proper care particularly those from far-flung localities. That is the reason why cold weather in the Philippines can has already taken its toll on the people. Cases of pneumonia and deaths caused by pneumonia might continue to rise until February due to the cold weather reaching an all-time low of 7.5 degrees Celsius in Baguio City since 1961 (which recorded a 6.3 degrees Celsius reading on January 18).
If you want to get updates on Nursing Researches, Nursing Board Exam Results, Nursing Articles, Nursing Education, Health and Health tips, and other informative articles in this site, please subscribe to my Free RSS feed. Thank you very much!
Tags: common diseases and conditions, health, Impacts of changing weather conditions, Incidence of Pneumonia in the Philippines, Pneumonia in the Philippines During Cold Months
Kuya,
My brother was diagnosed for pneumonia last week, tsk! tsk! Tsk! Anong balita sa mundo?
Lainy’s last blog post..MM- Buffalo Soldier- Bob Marley
[Reply]
jessie Reply:
January 21st, 2009 at 1:41 am
Ellaine,
Oh, that’s too bad. he has to take antibiotics regularly to cure his pneumonia. Talagang mahirap ngayong malamig ang panahon. Maraming nagkakasakit. In fact here in Ilocos Norte, we have recorded 5 cases of pneumonia already.
jessie’s last blog post..How to Remove a USB/Flash Drive Virus Like Win32/AutoRun.UG Worm
[Reply]
That’s why I told my sisters in Davao to go for a check-up everytime my pamangkins get cough. Mas mabuti nang nakasisiguro kesa sa late na.
Marlene’s last blog post..Top Droppers And A Warning
[Reply]
jessie Reply:
February 3rd, 2009 at 12:18 am
Mhy,
Incidence of pneumonia in the Philippines is growing. It’s really a scary thing because pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines among children.
jessie’s last blog post..Betty Neuman’s Systems Model (Nursing Theory)
[Reply]
i was diagnosed of pneumonia.i never imagined i will have this one.hope to surpass this sickness because i still want to live for my family.though we take so many medication God will still decide what He plans for us.
[Reply]
thankyou po sa info na nakuha ko dito sa site, regarding po sa disease na common during rainy at cold season.. pwede din po bang humingi ng data ng common disease pg nman po summer? pang supplement lng po sa thesis nmin..pkisend nlng po sa email n to
ur response will be a great help for the success of our thesis..maraming maraming salamat po..Godbless po…
[Reply]