Patrick N., 14

Patrick is a 14-year-old boy living with his parents in the slums of a town. He enjoys making wooden toy cars and trucks and loves eating Smokies and meat. Patrick dreams of becoming an engineer in the future. For the past week, Patrick has been suffering from a persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, and high fevers. His symptoms have persisted for six days. Patrick's mother, who works as a casual laborer, often faces delays in receiving her wages and did not have the money to take him to the hospital. Desperate for help, she went to church to seek assistance from the pastor and was informed about Helpster Charity. Patrick was then brought to the hospital for medical evaluation. Given his symptoms, he requires thorough examination and treatment to address his respiratory issues and fever. Access to healthcare through Helpster Charity will ensure that Patrick receives the necessary medical care.

Patrick came into the hospital looking visibly unwell—his body burning with fever and struggling to breathe properly. Alongside a persistent cough, the hotness of his body was unmistakable, and it was clear he needed immediate attention. The medical team quickly got to work, administering IV hydrocortisone and starting him on a course of antibiotics. The response was great, his breathing eased and within a few hours he was able to breathe well. Three days after being discharged, a follow-up phone call confirmed the good news: he was feeling much better, his symptoms had cleared, and he was well on his way back to full health.

Pneumonia should be treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, pneumonia may lead to the permanent lung damage, respiratory failure, septicaemia (infection entering blood stream and causing sepsis), pleural effusion (accumulation of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall, which can make breathing difficult), and other life-threatening complications.