The Kalinga Provincial Health Office reported that pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the province of Kalinga in 2023 and during the first quarter of the current year.
According to Dr. Edward Tandingan, head of the Kalinga PHO, eight out of the ten leading causes of death in the province were due to non-communicable diseases.
He mentioned that there were 134 recorded deaths due to pneumonia last year, with smoking being one of the contributing factors.
Other leading causes of death in Kalinga in 2023 included cerebrovascular accident (stroke), cancer, acute respiratory failure, heart disease, among others.
Tandingan also shared that 13.6% of all deaths were related to smoking, while 74.4% were due to non-communicable diseases, 18% from communicable diseases, and 7.6% were caused by accidents.
According to the PHO’s records for the first quarter of the current year, 29% of deaths were due to pneumonia and 26% were due to chronic kidney disease.
Based on the survey, 35.1% of men and 7.7% of women are currently smokers, with some having started smoking at the age of 14 to 15 years old.
Explainer: What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms such as a cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Various organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, can cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants, young children, people older than 65, and those with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Risk Factors:
- Smoking: As highlighted in the news report, smoking is a significant risk factor for pneumonia. It damages the lungs and reduces their ability to fight infections.
- Age: The very young and the elderly are at higher risk.
- Underlying Health Conditions: People with chronic illnesses like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease are more prone to pneumonia.
Prevention: Pneumonia can often be prevented through vaccines, proper hygiene, and quitting smoking. It is also crucial to seek medical attention early if symptoms arise, especially for those in high-risk groups.
In areas like Kalinga, where pneumonia is a leading cause of death, public health measures focusing on reducing smoking rates and improving access to healthcare can help reduce the mortality rate associated with this disease.