Pneumonia in Children: What You Need To Know?

 

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. These germs makes the air sacs in the lungs be filled with fluid  ( phlegm or mucous) which then makes it hard to breathe and causes the child to cough.

It often comes after another respiratory infection such as a cold but sometimes, complications may arise though not very common.

According to World Health Organization, Pneumonia killed 920,136 children under the age of 5 in 2015, accounting for 16% of all deaths of children under 5years of age, therefore making it the single largest infectious cause of death in children all over the world.

Signs and Symptoms

It often varies depending on the age of the child and the underlying cause. In general, children often have one or more of the following;

• High fever

• Fast &/or difficult breathing – your child’s breathing will become hard work, and you may see the ribs or skin under the neck ‘sucking in’ or nostrils flaring when they are breathing; younger babies may dock their heads when breathing

• Cough

• Irritability or more tired than usual

• Pain in the chest, especially when coughing

• Abdominal pain 

Treatment

Treating pneumonia usually varies depending on the causative organism involved. 

For Viral Pneumonia, the causative organism being a virus, it is usually not as severe as bacterial pneumonia. However, recovery can be slower taking up to 4weeks. Antibiotics do not cure viruses and should not be given for it.

Bacterial Pneumonia: If your child’s pneumonia is caused by a bacteria, they will be prescribed antibiotics. In mild cases, these drugs can be taken at home. Children usually improve within 48hours of starting antibiotics but it is very essential to complete the whole course of antibiotics, even if the child seems much better.

Treatment will continue for 3 to 7days and the child may continue to cough for you to 3weeks after treatment, but this is nothing to worry about if they are otherwise getting better.

Children who are very sick with bacterial pneumonia maybe admitted to the hospital for antibiotics to be given intravenously. Others may also need oxygen or extra fluids.

Frequently Asked Question

How Can I Keep My Child From Getting Pneumonia?

The best prevention always is VACCINATION!. Keep your child up to date with their immunizations and yearly influenza shots.

The best way to avoid your child from getting pneumonia is to avoid getting respiratory infections. Teach your child not to share food, drinks and eating utensils with other children though this maybe difficult in younger children, especially those at childcare or kindergarten, as often as they put shared toys in their mouth. But the good news is that immunised children will have a lesser risk of becoming infected with pneumonia in these instances, so get your child immunised!

Good hygiene is important for preventing the spread of pneumonia, so teach your child to wash their hands thoroughly after coughing or sneezing to forestall the spread of germs.

Dr. Favvy

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