Pneumoniain kids is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs in the lungs.
Pneumonia is often brought on by anupper respiratory infection, such as theflu, that spreads to the lungs.
Pneumonia in babies and kids can also be triggered by a bacterial infection.
Westend61 / Getty Images
A pneumonia infection can range from mild to very serious.
Most children today recover easily with appropriate treatment.
Bacterial Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia is resulting from a bacterial infection in the lungs.
Pneumonia itself is not an infection your child can catch.
Pneumonia describes the inflammation happening in the lungs.
Risk Factors
Certain underlying conditions can put your child at higher risk of experiencing pneumonia.
Chronic diseases that affect the lungs likecystic fibrosisorasthmamake your child more at risk of pneumonia.
Children with a history ofcanceror immunosuppression are also at higher risk.
This is because infections are more easily spread when children spend more time indoors together at school or daycare.
Symptoms
Pneumonia is generally characterized by a deep, productive cough.
Your child will most likely cough upmucus.
Babies and toddlers often gag and vomit up the mucus that they have swallowed.
You will most likely notice that your baby or toddler is extremely fussy.
A baby with pneumonia often appears pale and limp.
They will most likely cry more than usual as well.
School-age and older kids will be able to tell you that they dont feel good.
They will probably feel tired and worn out, without energy to eat very much.
Because pneumonia affects your childs lungs, you may notice a change in their breathing.
Babies and toddlers may exhibit fast, labored breathing.
Seek emergency care immediately if they develop a blue tint or high fever.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will likely check your childspulse oximetry.
This helps your practitioner determine how well your childs lungs are functioning.
Your medical professional may also recommend obtaining a sputum culture while in the office.
After your initial pediatrician visit, your healthcare provider will likely order a chestX-rayfor your child.
An X-ray can show if there is fluid and inflammation in your childs lungs.
A chestCT scanmay also be ordered.
Taking your child for an X-ray or CT scan is nerve-racking for both you and your child.
Ask about what to expect and if you could be present with your child during the test.
What Is Walking Pneumonia?
Walking pneumonia refers to a mild case of pneumonia that does not keep a child in bed.
The symptoms often resemble a cold and are usually mild enough that they do not slow your child down.
Treatment
Treatment for pneumonia in kids depends on a variety of factors.
Treatment for bacterial pneumonia involves antibiotics, while viral pneumonia often resolves on its own.
If your pediatrician prescribes an antibiotic for your child, be sure to administer the entire prescription as directed.
School-aged children and teenagers are more likely to be cared for at home unless they develop shortness of breath.
Should I Give My Child Cough Suppressants?
While the cough is uncomfortable, it is also useful.
Coughing helps break up the fluid and mucus in your childs lungs and clear them out of their body.
Prevention
Protecting your child from infection is not always possible.
Fortunately, there is a safe and effective way to protect your child against many types of bacterial pneumonia.
Talk with your pediatrician about the right schedule for your child.
This means frequent handwashing for kids, as well as covering their sneezes and coughs with their sleeve.
Complications
Pneumonia symptoms can range from mild cold-like symptoms to serious breathing difficulties.
One common complication of pneumonia isdehydration, and many older kids experience a decreased appetite during pneumonia.
Your child may also feel too worn out to have the energy to eat and drink.
Babies often exhibit poor feeding as well.
To help prevent dehydration, offer your child small snacks and drinks frequently.
Popsicles provide hydration and may soothe a sore throat.
For babies, nursing or a bottle may provide some comfort, so offer feedings often.
If your baby or child is refusing to eat or drink, call your pediatrician.
Rarely, bacterial pneumonia can lead to a bacterial infection in the blood.
This is a serious complication and requires treatment with IV antibiotics right away.
If your child is experiencing bacterial pneumonia, they will most likely require antibiotic therapy.
Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician if you suspect your child has pneumonia.
Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.Pneumonia in children.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Pneumonia.
2011;53(7):e25-76.
