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CITY GOVERNMENT OF VALENZUELA

Public Information Office
Telefax: (632) 292-9168
PRESS RELEASE
June 29, 2015

Pneumonia is leading death cause in Valenzuela in 2014

Though colds and coughs often heal themselves out after a few days, people should
take caution and see a doctor if these symptoms last two weeks, doctors at the
Valenzuela City Health Office are telling the public.
Upper respiratory infections, if left untreated, can lead to pneumonia, one of the top
causes of death among Valenzuela residents these past few years.
In Valenzuela last year, it accounted for 210 deaths, the second leading cause of
mortality after myocardial infarction. The previous year, it was the top cause of death in
the city, killing 165. From 2008 through 2012, the infection claimed an average of 245
lives in the city.
Pneumonia was also the most common illness that killed children under the age of five
in 2014, claiming 31 lives.
Pneumonia is an infection that hits the lungs, caused by virus, bacteria, or fungi, the
World Health Organization says.
These infectious agents are usually found in the upper respiratory tract ears and nose
and often present themselves as colds and coughs. They would at times spread down
the lower respiratory tract, allowing the development of pneumonia.
Pneumonia most commonly hits people with weak immune systems, said Dr. John
Tiongco, CHO medical coordinator for the National Tuberculosis Progra m. When your
immune system is weak, the infection may spread down to the lower respiratory tract, to
the lungs. The risk of dying by pneumonia is higher when the infection hits the lower
respiratory tract because it is where gas exchange takes place.
The alveoli a sac-like structure where the oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange during
inhalation and exhalation react to the infection by producing mucus, making breathing
difficult.

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Tiongco said symptoms of pneumonia include cough and colds that last at least a couple
of weeks; fever, and constricted breathing.
The infection most frequently affects children under the age of five and the elderly,
Tiongco added.
The WHO names pneumonia as the forgotten killer of children, killing at least two
million children every year and accounts for the death of one in every five children, a
rate higher than any other disease that affects children.
Among the elderly, pneumonia is often a complication of other diseases, Dr. Tiongco
added.
Treatment
A type of pneumonia, the uncomplicated, can be treated at community health stations
where the patient is given oral antibiotics. At home, the patient is made to inhale a saltand-water solution to clear the air passageways of mucus. Vitamin C should also be
taken by the patient to bolster the immune system.
However, those who contract complicated pneumonia must be admitted at a hospital.
Prevention
Vaccines that protect a person from pneumonia are available at community health
stations, Tiongco said.
The Diptheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DPT) vaccine is given to newborn babies to prevent
them from catching at least two upper respiratory infections: diphtheria, a bacterial
infection that causes an inflammation of the neck muscles; and pertussis, commonly
known as whooping cough. The other infection it combats is tetanus, an infection
caused by Clostridium Tetani.
Adults, on the other hand, may avail themselves of pneumococcal vaccines.
Wash hands properly. Wash hands each time they hold a dirty object. Washing should
last between five to 15 minutes, or about the whole length of the childrens song Happy
Birthday.
Practice cough etiquette. Coughing should be done with the mouth covered, by the
hand, the shirt collar or hem to prevent the spread of infectious agents via the air.
Eat a balanced diet to fortify the immune system.

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Get enough rest and sleep. Many people now neglect rest and sleep, and work their
bodies too hard, said Tiongco. We need rest and sleep because these are when our
bodies get to heal themselves.
Tiongco said it is best to consult a doctor when symptoms such as colds and coughs
persist up to three days.
Consultation at the city government-run Valenzuela Emergency Hospital costs P50,
while enrollees of the conditional cash transfer program Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino
Program (4Ps) may avail themselves of the service for free.
The city government recently opened the primary hospitals outpatient department
building, which houses the following clinics: dental, pediatric, wellness, social hygiene,
and one for persons with disabilities.
The VCEH is located along G. Lazaro Street, Barangay Dalandanan. ###