Faith S., 17

Faith is the second-born in a family of four children and is currently in Form Four at a rural secondary school, where she studies under the sponsorship of a church organization. She enjoys playing legball and actively participates in school sports. Her mother is the family's sole breadwinner, earning less than KSh 2,700 per month from a small green vegetable business. The family lives in a rented two-room house, relies on a community borehole for drinking water, and shares a pit latrine with neighbouring households. Despite these challenges, Faith is determined to complete her education and hopes to become a teacher. Two days before admission, Faith developed a high fever, wheezing, chest indrawing, fast breathing, and increasing difficulty breathing, leaving her too ill to attend school. Unable to afford medical care, her mother sought help from a Community Health Promoter, who linked the family to a Helpster volunteer. After assessing their circumstances, the volunteer referred Faith to Mechimeru Hospital, where she received prompt medical evaluation, treatment, and free medication through Helpster Charity, ensuring she accessed the urgent care she needed.

Faith’s treatment for severe pneumonia involved immediate medical attention to control the infection, support breathing, and prevent complications. She was admitted for close monitoring, received appropriate antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection, oxygen therapy to improve oxygen levels, and supportive care such as fluids, fever management, and nutritional support. The healthcare team closely monitored her vital signs, breathing pattern, and response to treatment. With timely intervention and proper care, Faith showed improvement in her symptoms, including reduced difficulty in breathing, improved feeding and activity levels, and gradual recovery. Continued follow-up was recommended to ensure complete recovery and prevent recurrence.

Faith has been diagnosed with severe pneumonia complicated by bronchospasms, a potentially life-threatening condition requiring urgent hospital care. She is receiving appropriate antibiotics, bronchodilators, oxygen therapy as needed, supportive treatment, and close monitoring. With early diagnosis and prompt treatment, her prognosis is favourable, and she is expected to recover fully. However, delayed or inadequate treatment may lead to respiratory failure, severe infection, or other serious complications. Completion of treatment and follow-up care are essential for full recovery.