Pneumonia is one of children's most common and potentially serious respiratory infections. It mainly targets the lungs and leads to the inflammation of different sacs that carry air within the body. Just like every parent, it is essential to be informed of the signs and possible causes of pneumonia and the best way to get them treated for it, especially when they are your children. You will learn about this disease's potential symptoms, causes, and treatment in the following article by Dr. Venkatesh, a pediatrician in vizag.
What is pneumonia?
Pneumonia as a disease is characterized as a lung infection that occurs in the small air sac, or alveoli of the lung, one or both. These can become filled with fluid or pus, leading to the inability to breathe, cough, high fever, as well as chest pains. Pneumonia is more dangerous for children as their immune system is not developed so well to prevent the infection from developing further. Symptoms used by Vizag’s pediatricians, such as Dr. Venkatesh, and necessary tests for diagnosing pneumonia can be quickly understood.
Pneumonia can be classified based on where it affects the lungs:
Lobar pneumonia: It affects one or several sections of the lung called lobes.
Bronchopneumonia: This directly affects the bronchi and other lung tissue around the large tubes.
Interstitial Pneumonia: The inflammation in the lung tissue that is not directly affecting the alveoli.
Children are also more likely to develop a bacterial or viral infection; non-bacterial pneumonia is mild and can be treated through rest, while bacterial pneumonia requires antibiotics.
Causes of Pneumonia by Age Group
According to childcare expert Dr. Venkatesh, the causes of pneumonia differ according to the child's age. Fever, dyspnea, and coughing are typical symptoms of pneumonia.
0–3 Months
The most common bacteria transferred from the mother to the child is streptococcus, sometimes referred to as Escherichia coli or E. coli. It is the primary cause of pneumonia in most newborns and young children. Another competing virus that causes viral pneumonia within this age bracket is the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Mild pneumonia can be fatal for newborns because of their weak immune system. Therefore, parents need to seek medical attention from a children's doctor such as Dr. Venkatesh when such signs occur.
1 Year
Considering that pathogens are external infections, as the baby grows older, the number of infections passed on to him or her increases. In one-year-old children, bacterial pneumonia is caused by several pathogens, among them Streptococcus pneumonia. Infectious causes may include viral, for instance, influenza, adenovirus, or other viruses causing upper respiratory tract infection. Infants at this age may display some signs mimicking a cold, but they have a fever that cannot be diagnosed or difficulty breathing.
5 Years and Above
Mycoplasma pneumonia is found more frequently in children above five years, affecting a disease commonly known as “walking pneumonia." While it has less severe symptoms, it is likely to interfere with basic functioning and incur longer recovery periods. Rhinoviruses and parainfluenza viruses are the most common causes of the condition.
Signs of Pneumonia in Children
Early recognition of pneumonia is easier and makes a huge difference in handling the situation. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and they often mimic those of a cold or flu. Dr. Venkatesh, the trusted pediatrician doctor in Vizag, advises parents to be vigilant if their child presents any of the following:
● Cough that lasts for weeks, months, or even years and may produce green or yellow mucus or, occasionally, blood.
● It includes conditions that cause acute breathlessness or shortness of breath.
● Chest pain or discomfort, particularly during coughing.
● High temperature, which may be accompanied by shivering or sweating.
● Decreased food consumption.
● Feeling fatigue or lethargy.
● Wind whistle in the chest or other abnormal noises heard in the chest region.
● Tingling or numbness, cognitive confusion, and blue lips (an indication of low oxygen levels)
While the symptoms of pneumonia and other minor infections may be similar, pneumonia is usually more severe and lasts longer.
Is pneumonia viral or bacterial?
Bacteria or viruses can cause pneumonia, and to treat the patient appropriately, it is critical to identify which pathogen caused the illness.
Viral Pneumonia: This includes seasonal flu, RSV, or even the cold flu that leads to pneumonia in young children. Viral pneumonia is less severe and typically clears up without formal treatment. Mostly it does not require antibiotics but can be treated with fluids, plenty of rest, and medications that reduce fever. This is also useful to know because antibiotics do not help against viral illness.
Bacterial pneumonia: A high fever, rapid breathing, and cough are the most common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia, caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumonia.
Fungal Pneumonia: However, fungal infections can lead to pneumonia and are most frequently reported in children with compromised immune systems. These cases normally necessitate antifungal drugs.
Dr. Venkatesh, the leading childcare specialist in Vizag, stresses the importance of seeing a doctor to determine the type of pneumonia and the appropriate treatment plan.
Diagnosing Pneumonia in Children
In every instance of the onset of pneumonia in your child, take them to see a pediatrician immediately. In the consultation, Dr. Venkatesh may listen to the child's breathing and also look for other signs. Further tests may be needed for a more definite diagnosis.
Occasionally the first examination will demonstrate marked lung inflammation (Chest X-ray).
Blood tests: Viral or bacterial infections can be diagnosed using a blood test.
Sputum Test: The type of mucus that a child coughs out can be analyzed to find the reason.
Pulse oximetry: Checks whether the child is getting enough oxygen by measuring the levels of oxygen in the blood.
Case Study: Early detection makes the difference
As an example, there is little Anika, a 4-year-old girl from Vizag who had a cough and fever that did not seem to go away. Her parents first believed it was a common cold. But upon seeing Dr. Venkatesh, the pediatrician doctor in Vizag, he decided she had early stages of bacterial pneumonia. Fortunately, the doctor was able to diagnose the child and treat her with antibiotics, and to the glory of the Lord, Anika was up and running in one week.
The second, case is 6-year-old Rohit, he has got mild respiratory infection that resembles the symptoms of a cold and flu. However, the patient continues to complain of weakness and tiredness HCP childcare specialist Dr Venkatesh identified it as viral pneumonia. After consulting with Rohit, the doctor prescribed him plenty of fluids and adequate rest, and in two weeks, Rohit was perfectly fine.
When to Call a Pediatrician
If pneumonia is identified in the early stage, its severity can be prevented from escalating. Dr. Venkatesh advises parents to call a children's doctor if they notice any of the following:
They included high fever, which is defined as a febrile episode with a temperature ≥ 38.3°C that lasts for >48 hours.
Rapid or difficult breathing
Cyanosis, which means a blue hue around the lips and nails.
A two-day fasting or refusal to take any food and water for that long or more.
Cold or flu symptoms.
Symptoms of dehydration (no salivation, sucking sunken eyes, not shedding a tear if crying)
These are conditions that should be treated as emergencies, and one should consult the doctor. Skipping an appointment with the pediatrician can frustrate since the child can develop complications, especially at this young age when the immune system is not well developed.
Conclusion
Pneumonia in children is not very dangerous, but it can be frightening for parents, and so with proper intervention, most children get well. Dr. Venkatesh, the famous Vizag-based pediatric doctor, is committed to making parents aware of the early symptoms and getting ideal solutions quickly. Both viral and bacterial pneumonia need to be handled with serious concern to avoid health complications. See a children's doctor if your child has any of these symptoms, and get medical advice if you’re in doubt.
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