Pneumonia in children: symptoms, causes and treatment

A Pneumonia is the disease that causes the greatest number of deaths among children under 5 years old worldwide. And the reality is that most of these deaths could be prevented if the disease was treated early. Therefore, the early diagnosis of pneumonia in children It is essential to prevent more serious cases and avoid hospitalization.

What causes pneumonia in children? How to treat pneumonia in children? In this article we teach you how to do it identify the first symptoms of pneumoniahow to treat it and how to implement effective techniques to prevent it from an early age.

What is childhood pneumonia?

A Childhood pneumonia is an acute infection of the lungscaused by bacteria, fungi or viruses. It is a common disease in childhood, and with proper and early treatment, it is possible to eliminate lung inflammation.

Main causes of childhood pneumonia

When the baby inhales, he fills his lungs with air. However, when you inhale, you can inhale bacteria through the respiratory tract (through the nose or throat) which can cause acute inflammation of the lung parenchyma (the tissue that makes up the lung). The alveoli of the lungs fill pus and fluidgiving rise to a series of symptoms.

When childhood pneumonia is caused by a virusos mild symptoms they appear a few days later and tend to disappear over time. However, pneumonia caused by bacteria it’s more serious. In this case the child will become more ill, will be prostrate or anxious and the symptoms are more evident. It is advisable to visit a specialist.

To avoid complications, it is best to have an immediate diagnosis. The medical service online Do Health insurance General Peace of mind can help you clarify any doubts. It allows you to talk to a doctor who will tell you what to do.

Most common symptoms of pneumonia in children

The main symptoms of pneumonia in children are as follows:

• loss of appetite in older children – the main one symptom of pneumonia in infants or young children is eating less than usual;
• high fever – find out which are the most effective treatments to reduce fever in children;
• cough;
• rapid breathing – depending on the germ contracted, it can also cause pneumonia in children hissing sounds;
• shortness of breath;
• vomiting and chills;
• abdominal pain and/or pain in the chest;
• the child stays more prostrate.

👉 You might be interested in: Coughs in children: types, causes and treatments

How is childhood pneumonia diagnosed?

To diagnose pneumonia in children, your doctor will need to perform a physical exam. You will check the appearance, or breathing rhythm and patterns of your child. You will definitely also listen to your child to listen to the lungs.

If a more precise diagnosis is needed, you may need to chest x-ray oh blood tests. Health insurance will allow you to do this greater speed in scheduling exams and receiving results.

With the Health insurance General Peace of mindhas access to the AdvanceCare network, with over 16 thousand healthcare professionals and 129 integrated specialties, including General Medicine, Pediatrics and Pulmonology. Furthermore, access to this network provides discounts of up to 65% on the market price of healthcare services.

​Most common types of pneumonia in children
​Typical pneumonia in children
​Typical pneumonia in children is characterized by a slow symptomatology. They are common catarrhal symptomsPleases feverA dry cough and sometimes mild breathing difficulties. Some children also have vomiting and abdominal pain.

Another symptom of pneumonia in young children is diarrhea. In this case it is important to keep the child hydrated by giving him plenty of liquids (preferably water).

Atypical pneumonia in children

This type of pneumonia is more common in school-age children and adolescents. What characterizes it is the fact that the symptoms are milder than those typical of pneumonia. This may cause a delay in diagnosis.

Is it possible to prevent childhood pneumonia?
If yes, how?

Vaccines for childhood pneumonia

A Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent childhood pneumonia. The National Vaccination Program already provides several vaccines to protect the little ones from viruses and bacteria that can lead to serious pneumonia: pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, whooping cough and measles.

To remember him pneumonia can also occur due to measles. This situation, in fact, occurs in between 5 and 10% of children affected by measles. Therefore, Don’t neglect any of the vaccines your child should receive.

⚠️ OR Does your child have up to date vaccinations? Consult the vaccination schedule (page 23).

Air quality

Don’t forget it ventilate the rooms! This small daily gesture will improve the air quality in your home and reduce the chances of your children catching pneumonia.

Avoiding tobacco smoke can prevent pneumonia in children

It is nothing new that no child should be near tobacco smoke. Because smoking is highly harmful to the respiratory system of children. In fact, being around tobacco smoke increases the risk of lung infection.

Breastfeeding

Studies have shown that the breastfeedingat least in the first 4 months of life, strengthens the newborn’s defenses. It is, therefore, a «protective shield» against infections, including childhood pneumonia.

Hygiene habits

Frequent hand washing is essential to prevent pneumonia in children. It is also recommended avoid sharing of cutlery and glasses at the table.

👉Did you know? Studies show that children under 5 who wash their hands have a 50% lower incidence of pneumonia than others.