Symptoms

Common symptoms of pneumonia in children include:

• Cough: Can be dry or produce mucus.
• Fever: Often high, along with chills.
• Difficulty Breathing: Rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
• Chest Pain: Discomfort or pain when breathing or coughing.
• Fatigue: General tiredness and weakness.
• Loss of Appetite: Reduced interest in food or drink.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Occasionally present.

Causes

Pneumonia can be caused by:

• Bacterial Infections: Common bacteria include Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae.
• Viral Infections: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza are common viral causes.
• Fungal Infections: Less common but can occur, especially in immunocompromised children.

Diagnosis

• Medical History and Physical Exam: A healthcare provider will review symptoms and listen for abnormal lung sounds.
• Chest X-ray: To visualize the lungs and confirm pneumonia.
• Blood Tests: To identify the causative agent and check for inflammation.
• Sputum Culture: Analyzing mucus to identify the pathogen (less common in young children).

Treatment

• Antibiotics: Prescribed for bacterial pneumonia.
• Antivirals: May be used for viral pneumonia, depending on the virus.
• Supportive Care: Includes rest, hydration, and fever-reducing medications.
• Hospitalization: May be necessary for severe cases, especially in young children.

Prevention

• Vaccinations: Immunizations like the pneumococcal vaccine and flu vaccine can help prevent certain types of pneumonia.
• Hand Hygiene: Teaching proper handwashing to reduce infections.
• Avoiding Smoke Exposure: Reducing exposure to secondhand smoke, which can increase respiratory infections.