The symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe, and parents should be aware of the signs in order to prevent the risk of serious illness in their children. Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of childhood pneumonia.
What is Pneumonia?
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that often develops after a viral (or, less commonly, bacterial) illness. Most cases of pneumonia in kids are caused by common childhood viruses such as flu or RSV. Pneumonia can become life-threatening, especially for children under the age of two. It is important to monitor kids for signs of pneumonia.
Symptoms of Pneumonia
Symptoms of pneumonia in children can be mild or severe and may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fast breathing
- Labored breathing
- Persistent cough
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Wheezing
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Stomach pain
- Lethargy
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Loss of appetite (in children) or poor feeding (in babies)
- Green, yellow, or even bloody mucus
- Blue lips or nails
Diagnosis of Pneumonia
A physical exam can help identify signs of pneumonia. Your child’s doctor will likely look at indicators such as your child’s appearance, breathing, and vital signs (such as blood oxygen level). They will also listen to your child’s lungs and consider if further testing is needed. A diagnosis of pneumonia is often confirmed by a chest X-ray, blood tests, or sputum (mucus) testing.
Treatment of Pneumonia
If the source of your child’s pneumonia infection is viral, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics. Antiviral medication may be able to help instead, especially if the infection is caught early on.
Bacterial pneumonia can be treated with oral or even IV antibiotics when needed. Children who are admitted to the hospital may receive breathing treatments, IV antibiotics, and fluids.
Parents can help assist their child’s recovery by offering plenty of fluids, relieving symptoms through over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as Tylenol or Advil, and ensuring that their child gets plenty of rest. Keep in mind that OTC cough and cold medicines are not recommended for use in kids under age six.
Most cases of bacterial pneumonia should be cleared up in one to two weeks, while viral pneumonia may linger for up to four to six weeks.
Contact your pediatrician if you’d like to further discuss the various treatment options.
Prevention of Pneumonia
When young children and infants are sick, it is very important to keep an eye out for signs of pneumonia and take steps to prevent this serious infection from developing in the first place. Pneumonia can develop quickly and can rapidly become serious.
There are few Measures your child’s doctor to help prevent pneumonia include:
- Ensuring that your child is up to date on their childhood vaccinations, including RSV and flu
- Avoiding large crowds or people who are symptomatic of viral illnesses
- Wearing a mask during flu season
- Practicing good hygiene
- Boosting your child’s immune system through diet, exercise, and supplementation (such as vitamin C)
- Treating illnesses early on with plenty of fluids, rest, and using a humidifier or shower steam to help keep the lungs clear. Sleeping upright may also help.
Children who have weakened immune systems due to illnesses such as cystic fibrosis, asthma, or cancer are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia and should be monitored extra closely when they are sick.
If you think your child may be exhibiting signs of pneumonia, early diagnosis and treatment are important. Please give us a call today to meet with one of our friendly, board-certified pediatricians.