5 The most common cause of adolescent death

Adolescence is a time of hope and change. However, did you know that the highest incidence of death is experienced by this transitional age group? Based on data compiled by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2016, more than 3,000 adolescents die every day, with a total of 1.2 million youth deaths per year. Most of the causes are preventable.

The most common cause of adolescent death worldwide

Furthermore, WHO data in 2016 shows that there are several causes of death that are highest in adolescents.

1. Accident

Accidents are the biggest cause of death for adolescents aged 10-19 years. The incidence of these accidents is more than twice that of male adolescents. The type of accident is a traffic accident (transportation).

For example, a vehicle collision or accident between vehicles and pedestrians. That is why the government sets the minimum age for obtaining a driving license (SIM) is 17 years.

Parents and society in general have a very important role in preventing adolescent deaths due to accidents. One way is to wait until the child gets a new SIM and is allowed to drive a motorized vehicle. Parents are also responsible for educating their children about traffic safety.

2. Lower respiratory tract infection

Lower respiratory tract infection is an infectious condition that occurs in the organs of the lower respiratory system such as the lungs, bronchi, and trachea. There are various kinds of lower respiratory tract infections in adolescents, namely, bronchitis, pneumonia, laryngotracheitis, and tracheitis.

Meanwhile, pneumonia is more common in adolescents. One of the underlying risk factors is the family's habit of cooking in a closed room using a firewood or kerosene stove that emits combustion pollution fumes. WHO notes that more than half of all child and adolescent deaths from pneumonia are due to inhalation of indoor pollutants.

3. Suicide

Adolescents who are still developing and are not yet able to properly manage their emotions are more prone to attempted suicide than adults.

It is impossible to determine one definite cause why a teenager decides to commit suicide. The decision to commit suicide is complex and must have many causes. However, the biggest risk factor is indeed untreated depression. Depression doesn't just go away. Depression is a mental disorder caused by an imbalance of chemicals, structures, and the nervous system in the brain. The trigger can also be a variety of things he encounters in his life, from childhood trauma, sexual violence, to bullying.

Teens who are addicted to certain substances such as alcohol or drugs are also more likely to die from suicide attempts.

4. Diarrhea

Diarrhea can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasitic infections, or even poisoning. Diarrhea is also closely related to the sanitary conditions and cleanliness of the surrounding environment so that hygiene is important in preventing diarrhea. Drinking raw water, drinking unpasteurized dairy products, and not maintaining food hygiene also increase the risk of diarrhea.

Diarrhea seems trivial. However, if not treated immediately, diarrhea can lead to serious dehydration which eventually leads to death.

5. Drown

Drowning is a case that can be prevented with the right preparation. In a drowning situation, people will usually experience panic, this panic condition will make people reflex to do their normal breathing so that eventually the water is inhaled into the lungs.

There are several causes of drowning in adolescents, namely adolescents usually do not pay attention to the safety of their surroundings, do not have the ability to survive in water, and the influence of alcohol or drugs can also affect.