Can Breastfeeding Save Children from Pneumonia? Here Is What an Expert Says

Pneumonia is a serious illness that affects many children worldwide, especially those under the age of five. In fact, it is one of the largest causes of death among young kids despite being preventable and treatable. On World Pneumonia Day, it’s important to understand how simple acts like breastfeeding can make a huge difference in protecting children. Breast milk is not just food; it’s a powerful shield for newborns against infections, including pneumonia. 

To explain this better, Dr Kalale Nikhil Nagaraj, Consultant in Paediatrics & Neonatology at Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, shares crucial insights on how breastfeeding supports a baby’s health and immunity.

Why Breastfeeding is a Powerful Defence Against Pneumonia

“Breastfeeding is one of the most effective interventions to reduce pneumonia-related illness during the first two years of life,” says Dr Nagaraj. Breast milk is packed with essential nutrients, antibodies, and immune components that help babies fight infections naturally. She explains the unique advantages:

• Breast milk is simple to digest and rich in nutrition.
• It strengthens the baby’s immune system, reducing the chances of developing certain diseases.
• It is economical and easily available, making it accessible to all families.

Breast milk and colostrum both contain substances that protect newborns from respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. These natural components prevent harmful bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae from sticking to the baby’s cells and causing disease.

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How Breast Milk Supports Infant Immunity

Dr Nagaraj emphasises that a baby’s immune system is still developing and is weaker in early life. Breast milk helps fill this gap by providing immunological complexes such as:

• Immunoglobulin A (IgA), a Y-shaped proteins produced by the immune system to identify and neutralize foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses
• Oligosaccharides, carbohydrates made of a few (two to ten) sugar units, found in foods like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
• Lactoferrin and other immune cells

These components stimulate the child’s immune system, offering protection against infections, including pneumonia and gastroenteritis. Moreover, breast milk adjusts its composition over time to meet the growing baby’s nutritional needs. This includes the perfect balance of fat, sugar, water, protein, and vitamins essential for healthy growth.

The Global Burden of Pneumonia 

According to UNICEF, pneumonia is responsible for over 700,000 deaths annually among children under five, accounting for nearly 2,000 daily deaths worldwide. South Asia sees the highest incidence, and India records a significant child death rate due to pneumonia. Despite medical advances, factors like malnutrition, air pollution, and limited healthcare access worsen the situation in many areas.

Dr Nagaraj points out that improving breastfeeding practices can reduce the impact. “Ensuring babies are breastfed exclusively for the first six months and continued alongside complementary foods after that can dramatically lower infection risks.”

What Causes Pneumonia in Children?

Children develop pneumonia mainly due to infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi that inflame the lungs, filling air sacs with fluid or pus. Common causes include:

• Bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) often lead to severe cases.
• Viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and SARS-CoV-2.
• Rare fungal infections in children with weakened immune systems.
• Children with low immunity, poor nutrition, or exposure to pollution are more vulnerable.

What Parents Can Do

Parents play a crucial role in protecting their children from pneumonia. According to Dr Nagaraj, these small steps can make a huge difference:

• Exclusively breastfeed for the first six months, if possible.
• Continue breastfeeding along with complementary foods up to two years or beyond.
• Get timely vaccinations, especially for pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections.
• Reduce indoor pollution by avoiding wood or coal cooking fuels and keeping homes well-ventilated.
• Seek medical attention early if your child shows symptoms like fast breathing, fever, or chest indrawing.

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Conclusion

Pneumonia is one of the oldest and deadliest diseases affecting children but it doesn’t have to be. Breastfeeding is a natural, powerful, and cost-effective way to protect babies from this preventable illness. With its unmatched mix of nutrients and antibodies, it gives newborns a head start in life and helps build a stronger immune system from day one.