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Pneumonia in children: Overview
Pneumonia in children is spread by infected people who carry the germs in droplets of liquid in their throat, nose, or mouth.
The infected person coughs up germs in the air. Your child inhales the germs or comes into direct contact with the saliva or mucosa of the infected person by touching something.
Pneumonia occurs most often during cold months when children spend most of their time indoors in close contact with other people.
Children under the age of 2 are at the highest risk of pneumonia. Almost everyone makes a full recovery with proper medical care.
What are the different types of pneumonia in children?
The main types of pneumonia are:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Viral pneumonia
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
Bacterial Pneumonia:
Various bacteria cause this. Streptococcus pneumonia is the most common bacteria that causes bacterial pneumonia. Many other bacteria can cause bacterial pneumonia in children, including:
- Group B Streptococcus
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Group A streptococcus
Bacterial pneumonia can have a rapid onset, and the following symptoms can occur:
- Productive cough
- Chest pain
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Decreased appetite
- Fatigue
- Fever
Viral Pneumonia:
This is caused by a variety of viruses, including the ones listed below:
- Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV (seen most often in children younger than five years old)
- Parainfluenza virus
- Flu virus
- Adenovirus
The first symptoms of viral pneumonia in children are the same as those of bacterial pneumonia.
However, viral pneumonia causes respiratory involvement slowly. Wheezing may occur, and the cough may get worse. Viral pneumonia can make a child susceptible to bacterial pneumonia.
Mycoplasma Pneumonia:
This presents symptoms and physical signs that are different from other types of pneumonia in children.
They usually cause mild, generalized pneumonia that affects all age groups but is most common in older children. Symptoms rarely start with a cold and may include:
- Cough that is persistent and can last three to four weeks.
- A severe cough may produce some mucus.
Causes of pneumonia in children:
Children are susceptible to pneumonia caused by viruses, bacteria, and other microbes. Pneumonia in children often develops as a complication of another childhood illness, such as the flu or a viral upper respiratory infection.
The passages in our nose and throat allow microorganisms to enter our airways and infect the air sacs in our lungs.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus that is commonly seen in children aged five and under who have pneumonia. Children younger than 1-year-oldare at increased risk for pneumonia if they are exposed to secondhand smoke.
The following conditions can increase a child's risk of microorganism-caused pneumonia:
- Compromised Immune System
- Chronic health problems like cystic fibrosis or asthma
- Lung or airway problems
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Get A Second OpinionSymptoms of pneumonia in children:
Symptoms may be different for each child. They can also depend on the cause of pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia cases occur suddenly with these symptoms:The first symptoms of viral pneumonia are the same as those of bacterial pneumonia. But with viral pneumonia, breathing problems happen slowly.
Your child's cough may worsen, and they may gasp. Viral pneumonia can increase a child's risk for bacterial pneumonia. Besides the symptoms indicated above, your kid may exhibit:
- Shaking chills
- Fast or difficult breathing
- Headache
- Agitation
The symptoms of pneumonia in children may resemble those of other health problems. Make an appointment for your kid to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
How is pneumonia diagnosed in children?
Your paediatrician can often diagnose pneumonia with a complete medical history and physical exam. He or she may order the following tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Chest x-ray
- Blood Test
- Sputum Culture
- Pulse Oximetry
- CT Scan of the Chest
- Bronchoscopy
- Pleural Fluid Culture
Chest x-ray:
Chest x-ray test creates images of internal tissues, bones, and organs.
Blood test:
A blood count looks for evidence of infection, while an arterial blood gas test measures the quantity of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
Sputum culture:
A sputum culture test is done on mucus (sputum) expelled from the lungs into the mouth. It can tell you if your child has an infection. However, it is not done routinely because it is difficult to obtain sputum samples from children.
Pulse oximetry:
An oximeter is a small piece of equipment that monitors the quantity of oxygen in the blood. To obtain this measurement, the provider sticks a small sensor on a finger or toe. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen on the sensor. The sensor is painless, and the red light does not heat.
CT scan of the chest:
This test takes pictures of structures in the chest. It is rarely done.
Bronchoscopy:
This method is used to view the lungs' airways. It is seldom done.
Pleural fluid culture:
This test takes a sample of fluid from the space between the lungs and the chest wall (pleural space). Fluid may build up in this area from pneumonia.
This fluid can be infected with the same bacteria as the lung. Or inflammation may cause the fluid in the lungs.
Treatment of pneumonia in children:
Treating pneumonia depends on whether a virus or bacteria causes it. To determine this, doctors perform exams and tests, such as chest X-rays and blood tests. They might also check your child's oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter.
If a virus causes pneumonia, there aren't many treatments. Doctors might suggest rest and medicine to lower your child's fever if they have one. It's not recommended to give cough medicine with codeine or dextromethorphan to kids with pneumonia. Coughing helps clear the lungs by getting rid of extra mucus.
If bacteria cause pneumonia, antibiotics can help. If the doctor gives antibiotics, make sure to give them as directed. Even if your child starts feeling better, keep giving them until the doctor says to stop. If you stop too soon, the pneumonia might come back.
Is pneumonia contagious?
Pneumonia itself isn't contagious, but the germs in the mouth or nose that cause it can spread when someone coughs or sneezes. Sharing items like drinking glasses or touching used tissues from a sick person can also pass on pneumonia.
If someone at home is sick, keep personal items separate, like glasses and utensils, and wash your hands often, especially after handling used tissues.
Preventions of pneumonia in children:
Pneumococcal pneumonia can be prevented with a vaccine that protects against 13 types of pneumococcal pneumonia.
If they get vaccinated, kids can avoid getting sick with pneumococcal pneumonia. There are two kinds of vaccines, and they start getting them when they're babies. Talk to your child's doctor about which one is right for them.
Also, make sure they're up to date on all their shots, including the yearly flu shot. You can help keep your child healthy by teaching them to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze and to wash their hands often.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Signs of pneumonia in children may include high fever, rapid or difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pain, fatigue, and vomiting. If your child exhibits these symptoms, especially after a cold or flu, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and diagnosis.
Danger signs of pneumonia in children include severe difficulty breathing, bluish lips or nails, lethargy, dehydration, persistent fever, chest pain, and coughing up blood. Seek immediate medical attention if your child shows any of these symptoms.
The treatment for pneumonia in children depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. It may include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia, antiviral medication for viral pneumonia, supportive care such as rest, fluids, and fever-reducing medicines, and, in severe cases, hospitalization for oxygen therapy or intravenous fluids.
With prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most children recover fully from pneumonia. Antibiotics or antiviral medications help eliminate the infection, and supportive care aids in symptom relief. However, recovery time varies depending on the severity of the illness and the overall health of the child.
Mild pneumonia usually goes away in 2 to 3 weeks. A severe case of pneumonia may take 6 to 8 weeks or more to recover. Rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, healthy food, and plenty of fluids will help your child heal at home.
A diet rich in protein is beneficial for people with pneumonia. Foods like nuts, seeds, beans, white meat, and cold-water fish like salmon and sardines have anti-inflammatory properties, which are suitable for pneumonia.
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