Pneumonia

"Pneumonia may be preventable."

Introduction

Pneumonia can be due to several causes. Viral, bacterial, lipid, aspiration etc. ,Bacterial pneumonia is common. It must be treated promptly.

Suspect this condition if the child's condition is faster than usual. A breathing rate of 50 or more per minute in an infant, 40 or more in the child between 1 and 5 years, and more than 30 in an older child should be taken seriously.

Pneumonia may start with fever , a stuffy nose, or cough. In an infant, temperature may be around 39 degrees C. He will be restless, have fast breathing and look quite sick. He may also develop cynosis with blue lips and nails and noisy breathing. The spaces between the lower ribs may go in when the child breaths.. The fever in an older child will be even higher (40.5 C or more). He may also have chills and cough out blood tinged sputum. He may complain of pain on the affected side of the chest while breathing in.

A child with the above symptoms must be shown to a doctor .

Symptoms

Signs & Symptoms of Pneumonia in children

Cough
Rapid breathing
Difficulty breathing (Increase work of breathing)
Grunting
Chest retractions (inward movement of chest wall when child breaths in.)
Nasal flaring
In older children chest pain or shortness of breath.

Classification

Diagnosis

Pulse oximeter

Spiro meter

An X-ray of chest may help.

H.R.C.T

Prevention

Treatment

Antibiotics results in marked improvement within 2-3 days. But the medicine must be continued as per your doctor's advice and the course completed. Hospitalization may be needed especially with an infant with marked breathlessness.