Pneumonia is an infection that causes one or both of the air sacs of the lungs to be filled with fluids, which leads to cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty in breathing. In India, in the past 2 months, there has been a surge in the cases of viral pneumonia caused by influenza or bronchiolitis by RSV among infants, which means kids who are below 1-2 years old. The reason is their weak immune systems during the weather change, as viral infections are more active during this period.

Role of diet in managing pneumonia:

As to the general prevention and control of Pneumonia, using surgical mask is the most important practice. Pneumonia can be prevented when an adult is infected with a cold, cough, and the like; he or she should avoid coming into contact with the infant. However, if the mother is infected, she should wear double-surgical masks when coming into contact with an infant and wash her hands regularly.

From the nutrition point of view, the intake of the following foods can be beneficial for kids during pneumonia. However, in the case of infants (less than 1 year) the amount of food given should be consulted with the doctor beforehand:

• Foods rich in protein like nuts, seeds, beans, and fish can be helpful to boost the immunity levels in kids and control the symptoms of Pneumonia. These foods help in repairing damaged tissues and build new ones in the body.
• Green leafy vegetables like spinach and lettuce have antioxidants that protect the body from infections.
• Whole grains like brown rice, barley, and oats are rich in carbohydrates, selenium, and B vitamins that provide energy to the body and strengthen the immune system to fight the infection.
• Honey and Ginger have anti-inflammatory properties which help in curing respiratory problems.
• Water can also be a good source of fluid that helps in loosening the mucus from the lungs flushing out foreign particles that disturb the respiratory tract.

About the author- Dr. Sumita Saha, Pediatrics & Neonatologist, Fortis Hospital, Kolkata