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Pneumonia in children is a lung infection, which can easily be mistaken for a simple flu. The disease is caused by viruses or bacteria that settle in the lungs causing breathing difficulties. The vast majority of cases of pneumonia in children are infants up to 1 year of age, so it is recommended to wear appropriate clothing for each season and to avoid exposure of the child in environments that may suffer sudden changes in temperature and in environments with air. strong conditioning.
Because these are symptoms very similar to the flu, it can be more difficult to give an immediate diagnosis, especially if it is viral pneumonia that has cough, high fever and difficulty breathing exactly symptoms of colds and flu. In addition to viral, there is bacterial pneumonia in children, which occurs unexpectedly, suddenly, with a very high fever exceeding 39 degrees from one hour to the next, reaching a slower breathing and a strong cough. So if your child has more than a week with flu and cold symptoms, persistent fever and seems to be getting worse, see a pediatrician immediately for further tests and appropriate treatment.
How to Diagnose and Treat Childhood Pneumonia
Usually the procedure used to diagnose pneumonia in children is to auscultate the lungs with the stethoscope. When pneumonia is present, the lungs have wheezing and abnormal sounds when the child breathes and after that a chest X-ray will be necessary to prove it. Other tests can be ordered, such as complete blood count and samples of mucus from the nose and throat that will be used to analyze what type of pneumonia it is, viral or bacterial.
Treatment will be indicated according to the results of the exams, the child’s current health status and also their age group. The treatment of viral pneumonia consists of absolute rest, ingestion of a lot of fluid for hydration , inhalation to assist in respiratory and antipyretic improvement if the child is experiencing fever. In the case of more severe conditions, where the child is very weak and weak, the doctor may find hospitalization better. Where the child will receive intravenous hydration serum and will have the oxygen mask that will help breathing, in addition to bringing relief for respiratory discomfort.
When it comes to bacterial pneumonia in children, treatment should be based on antibiotics and respiratory physiotherapy that will help fight the disease can be recommended. Ingestion of plenty of fluids and rest is essential for rapid improvement and complete restoration of health in this case. There are certain precautions to prevent pneumonia in children, such as keeping vaccines up to date. Diphtheria and pertussis vaccines prevent diseases that progress to pneumatic conditions. In addition to the vaccine offered free of charge at health centers that immunize against pneumococcus bacteria.
The act of always washing the hands of both the child and ours that touch the child at all times is essential to keep the agents that cause the disease as far as possible. Avoid contact of the child with places frequented by smokers, cigarette smoke is totally harmful and one of the causes of pneumonia in children.
See also: Why Child Fever Occurs?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
