WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is pneumonia in children? Pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Viruses are usually the cause of pneumonia in children. Children with viral pneumonia can also develop bacterial pneumonia. Often, pneumonia begins after an infection of the upper respiratory tract (nose and throat). This causes fluid to collect in the lungs, making it hard to breathe. Pneumonia can also occur if foreign material, such as food or stomach acid, is inhaled into the lungs. What may increase my child's risk for pneumonia? - Premature birth
- Breathing secondhand smoke
- Asthma or certain genetic disorders, such as sickle-cell anemia
- Heart defects, such as ventricular septal defect (VSD), atrial septal defect (ASD), or patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
- Poor nutrition
- A weak immune system
- Spending time in a crowded place, such as a daycare center
What are the signs and symptoms of pneumonia? The signs and symptoms depend on what caused the pneumonia and the age of the child. The signs and symptoms of bacterial pneumonia usually begin more quickly than they do with viral pneumonia. Your child may have any of the following: - Fever
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain near your child's ribs
- Poor appetite
- Cough
- Crying more than usual, or more irritable or fussy than normal
- Pale or bluish lips, fingernails, or toenails
How do I know if my child is having trouble breathing? - Your child's nostrils open wider when he breathes in.
- Your child's skin between his ribs and around his neck pulls in with each breath.
- Your child is wheezing, which means you hear a high-pitched noise when he breathes out.
- Your child is breathing fast:
- More than 60 breaths in one minute for newborn babies up to 2 months old
- More than 50 breaths in one minute for a baby 2 months to 12 months old
- More than 40 breaths in one minute for a child older than 1 year
How is pneumonia diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider may be able to diagnose pneumonia by his exam. He will test your child's oxygen levels using a pulse oximeter. If your child has low oxygen levels, his healthcare provider may do any of the following: - A chest x-ray is a picture of your child's lungs and heart. Healthcare providers may use this to look for signs of infection such as pneumonia, or other problems.
- Blood tests or a nasal swab may be done to show the virus, bacteria, or fungus that caused your child's pneumonia.
How is pneumonia treated? Many children can be treated at a doctor's office and at home. If the pneumonia is severe, the healthcare provider may want your child to stay in the hospital for treatment. Trouble breathing, dehydration, high fever, and the need for oxygen or medicines are reasons to stay in the hospital. - Antibiotics may be given if your child has bacterial pneumonia. Viral pneumonia will usually go away without antibiotics.
- Your child may need extra oxygen if his blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. Your child may get oxygen through a mask placed over his nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in his nostrils. Ask your child's healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
How can pneumonia be prevented? - Your child may be able to take antibiotics to prevent pneumonia if he has been exposed to it. He may also be able to take antibiotics if he has a weak immune system. Ask your child's healthcare provider for more information.
- Do not let anyone smoke around your child. Smoke can make your child's coughing or breathing worse.
- Get your child vaccinated against viruses or bacteria that cause infections such as the flu, pertussis, and pneumonia.
- Keep your child away from people with symptoms of a respiratory infection such as sore throat or cough.
- Wash your hands and your child's hands often with soap to prevent the spread of germs.
- Do not let your child share food, drinks, or utensils with others.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your child is under 3 months old and has a fever.
- Your child is struggling to breathe or wheezing.
- Your child's lips or nails are bluish or gray.
- Your child's skin between the ribs and around the neck pulls in with each breath.
- Your child has any of the following signs of dehydration:
- Crying without tears
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth or cracked lip
- More irritable or fussy than normal
- More sleepy than usual
- Urinating less than usual or not at all
- Sunken soft spot on the top of the head if your child is less than 1 year old
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child has a fever of 102° F (38.9° C), or above 100.4° F (38° C) if your child is younger than 6 months.
- Your child cannot stop coughing.
- Your child is vomiting.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
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