A cold can stay a cold. Pneumonia is when infection sits in the lungs. UNICEF and WHO still list it as one of the biggest winter threats to children in South Asia. Punjab hospitals reported heavy paediatric pneumonia loads in the last cold wave. In Sargodha, parents often arrive after several days of “just a cough.”
Signs that are more than a winter cough
- Fast breathing — سانس تیز: ribs moving hard, pauses to breathe while feeding.
- Chest pulling in — سینہ اندر کھینچنا: the skin between ribs sucks in.
- Noisy or wet cough that is getting heavier, not lighter.
- High fever with dullness — بچہ اپنے جیسا نہیں.
- Poor feeding — دودھ ٹھہر ٹھہر کر، یا بالکل کم.
- Blue or grey lips, very hard to wake — go now, do not wait for morning OPD.
Still a cold
Runny nose, mild cough, playing, wet nappies as usual.
Book today
Fever over 3 days, feeding dropping, breathing a little fast, ear pain.
Urgent
Chest indrawing, under 3 months + fever, cannot drink, seizure, blue lips.
What actually prevents pneumonia
Vaccines on the EPI card matter: Hib, pneumococcal, measles, whooping cough. Influenza vaccine is extra — ask in clinic if it fits your child. Keep smoke off the child (cigarettes, coal, dung fire). Dress in layers. Wash hands after school vans.
This chart is educational. Only an exam tells you if it is pneumonia. Dr. Sidrah Yasmeen is a lady child specialist (بچوں کی ڈاکٹر) at Nazar Health Care, 4C Fatima Jinnah Road.
Educational guide for parents — not a diagnosis. If you are worried, book. Worry itself is a reason to come in. Clinic: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Call 048-3212200 or WhatsApp 0345-8652555.
FAQs
How do I know if my child has pneumonia?
You cannot confirm it at home. Fast breathing, chest pulling in, poor feeding and lasting fever are reasons to see a peads doctor the same day.
نمونیا کی علامات کیا ہیں؟
تیز سانس، پسلیوں کے بیچ جلد کا اندر کھینچنا، تیز بخار، اور دودھ کم لینا۔ یقین کلینک میں ہوتا ہے، گھر کے اندازے سے نہیں۔
Can pneumonia follow a simple flu?
Yes. A viral flu or RSV can move down into the chest. That is why a cough that is getting worse after day three should be examined.