Joshua S., 8

Joshua is an eight years old boy who would like to be a doctor when he grows up. His mother says that it is possible, since he is a very intelligent child; she trusts that Joshua will be a doctor. Joshua has been unwell for the past four days with chest pain, cough and stuffy nose. He did not go to school today, because over the past days his illness has worsened. In his free time, Joshua likes to watch TV and play football with his peers in the village.

Joshua arrived at the hospital with symptoms of a cough, fever, chest pain, and a stuffy nose that had persisted for four days. His nasal congestion was particularly troublesome at night, and he experienced chest pain when coughing. After conducting several tests, the doctors diagnosed him with severe pneumonia. Joshua was admitted for inpatient treatment, and his parents were advised on how to care for him to prevent further infections. His mother was very grateful for the support from Helpster Charity. After completing his medication at home, Joshua and his mother returned to the hospital a few days later to express their gratitude to the hospital staff and Helpster Charity once again.

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.