Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in children. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is the second most common cause of bacterial pneumonia. Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common viral cause of pneumonia.
Pneumonia may be caused by various organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, that get into the lungs. Newborns become infected after passing through the mother's birth canal or after coming into contact with organisms in the NICU or nursery.
Neonatal pneumonia is lung infection in a neonate. Onset may be within hours of birth and part of a generalized sepsis syndrome or after 7 days and confined to the lungs. Signs may be limited to respiratory distress or progress to shock and death.
However, some babies may need to be treated in the hospital. Bacterial pneumonia requires to be treated with antibiotics, while pneumonia caused by a virus will often clear up after a few days without any treatment (apart from plenty of rest and fluids, and the fever medication recommended by your provider).
Rest, over-the-counter pain medicine, healthy food, and plenty of fluids will help your child recover at home. Mild pneumonia often goes away in 2 to 3 weeks. Your child may need 6 to 8 weeks or longer to recover from a bad case of pneumonia.
Within this age group the lungs are still developing by increasing alveoli numbers and airway dimensions. Pneumonia during this critical developmental period may therefore adversely affect the lung's structure and function, with increased risk of subsequent chronic lung disease.
Some children may be treated in the hospital if they are having severe breathing problems. While in the hospital, treatment may include: Antibiotics by IV (intravenous) or by mouth (oral) for bacterial infection. IV fluids if your child is unable to drink well.
Pneumonia can cause acute respiratory failure and is a relatively frequent cause of death in infants and pre-school age children, many of which are apparently “unexpected”, in that the child may not have seemed severely unwell prior to the collapse/death.
Check your child's lips and fingernails to make sure that they are rosy and pink, not bluish or gray, which is a sign that the lungs are not getting enough oxygen. Children may be hospitalized for treatment if they have pneumonia if: They need supplemental oxygen.
The majority of neonates with congenital pneumonia have no long term complications; however, a small percentage develop chronic lung disease and require respiratory support after the acute infection has resolved.
You should take your child to see your GP if you think they have pneumonia. If your child has pneumonia they will need to rest and drink small amounts of fluid often to prevent dehydration. It is very important for your child to complete the full course of antibiotics if they have been prescribed.
Pneumonia occurs most often during the cold months when children spend most of their time indoors in close contact with other people. Children under the age of 2 are at highest risk for pneumonia. Almost everyone fully recovers with proper medical care.
As pneumonia progresses, it has four stages: Congestion, red hepatization, gray hepatization, and resolution.
Immunisation, good nutrition, and changing environmental factors can all help to prevent pneumonia. Pneumonia can be treated with antibiotics if caused by bacteria, but viral pneumonia cannot be treated with antibiotics. People with severe pneumonia may need hospitalisation and oxygen or intravenous fluids treatment.
You should contact your child's pediatrician if the following symptoms appear: Cough with fever for more than 3-5 days if older than 1 year. Lack of appetite. Lethargy.
Agents typically used initially in the treatment of newborns and young infants with pneumonia include a combination of ampicillin and either gentamicin or cefotaxime. The selection of cefotaxime or gentamicin must be based on experience and considerations at each specific medical center and in each patient.
Sepsis. Sepsis is a particularly dangerous pneumonia complication. A life-threatening condition, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if left untreated. Those with chronic health problems or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of developing sepsis from an infection like pneumonia.
Among infants with congenital pneumonia associated with proven blood-borne infection, mortality is in the range of 5-10%, with rates as high as 30% in infants with very low birth weight.
Sleep. Your child may have periods of sleeplessness and irritability. This is common. A congested child will sleep best with their head and upper body raised up.
Walking pneumonia is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. The doctor will check your child's breathing and listen for a hallmark crackling sound that often indicates walking pneumonia. If needed, a chest X-ray or tests of mucus samples from the throat or nose might be done to confirm the diagnosis.
Viral pneumonia caused by the influenza virus may be severe and sometimes fatal. The virus invades the lungs and multiplies; however, there are almost no physical signs of lung tissue becoming filled with fluid. This pneumonia is most serious in people who have pre-existing heart or lung disease and pregnant women.
Sepsis can be triggered by many types of infections. “But the most common cause of sepsis is community–acquired pneumonia,” Angus says. Scientists are still working to understand why some people with infections develop severe sepsis or septic shock while others don't.
Smoke can make your symptoms worse. Smoking also increases your risk of developing pneumonia and other lung problems in the future. You should also avoid lit fireplaces or other areas where the air may not be clean. Stay home from school or work until your symptoms go away.