Ibadan- An Ibadan-based physician, Dr Segun Fadare, has said that forced-feeding of babies could lead to pneumonia.
Fadare of the Lanark Specialist Hospital, Ibadan in Oyo State, said this in an interview with newsmen in Ibadan.
“Pneumonia can occur at any age but common in younger children; it has been identified as one of the major causes of under-five deaths.
“One of the factors that can cause pneumonia in babies is force-feeding which is culturally acceptable in some parts of our society as a common practice.
“Force-feeding babies can cause foreign materials like foods or liquid into the lungs repeatedly and this can lead to pneumonia,” he said.
According to him, pneumonia caused by force-feeding is called aspiration-pneumonia.
“Aspiration-pneumonia occurs when one inhales food, drink, saliva into ones lungs or one vomits.’’
According to him, aside force-feeding of babies, attack by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites can also cause pneumonia among children.
“Other factors that can lead to pneumonia in children include bacteria and viruses which are inhaled into the lungs.
“Also, some children may have congenital pneumonia which is present at birth.
“Other risk-factors of pneumonia include poor nutrition; premature birth; genetic conditions like sickle cell and overcrowded rooms,” he said.
Fadare said that parents should be adequately informed about the risks that force-feeding could constitute to babies.
“Rather than force-feeding babies, parents are advised to seek medical help if they perceive their babies are not feeding well.
“They should also ensure that their children are vaccinated against viruses or bacteria that cause infections such as pneumonia.
“Maintaining good personal hygiene, keeping ones surroundings’ clean and maintaining well-ventilated rooms can also reduce the risks of pneumonia in babies,” he said.
Fadare said that symptoms of pneumonia could include: persistent cough with mucus; loose bowel movements and shortness of breath.
“Other possible signs may also include poor appetite; fever, vomiting and irritability,” he said.
