Head of the IDAI Respirology UKK, Dr. dr. Nastiti Kaswandani, Sp.A, Subsp.Resp(K), said that the speed of pneumonia treatment in children is a determining factor in recovery and preventing the risk of death.
Nastiti explained that the speed of pneumonia treatment is often hampered by remote access to health facilities, which makes it difficult to get to the hospital quickly, and limited medical equipment to assist with first aid, such as oxygen.
"Indeed, the speed of assistance is a significant factor. We apologize to our friends in the regions who may experience slow access to healthcare, long distances to hospitals, and limited oxygen, medication, and other resources. This can cause the mortality rate from pneumonia to remain stagnant," Nastiti said in an online health discussion in Jakarta on Friday.
Nastiti said a child dies every 43 seconds from pneumonia, which is caused by various types of bacteria and viruses. The most common bacteria causing pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Other causes include viruses such as hemovirus influenza, pertussis (whooping cough), klebsiella, RSV, rhinovirus, and parainfluenza.
What happens in developing countries, child deaths due to pneumonia are caused by delays in taking the child to the hospital, which is caused by many factors and parents' ignorance in recognizing the symptoms and danger signs of pneumonia.
