Pneumonia is an infection of lungs. This infection is caused by parasites, viruses and bacteria. Although, many children are able to recover from the situation from home by seeking doctor’s advice, it can be life threatening and requires hospitalization. If left untreated, it causes death also. It is must that a child suffering from pneumonia should get treated.
Symptoms of Pneumonia in Infants:
Pneumonia is caused by lung infection. Often, symptoms begin with sore throat or cold. These symptoms worsen as the pneumonia develops. Symptoms vary from child to child, but often include:
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Cough with yellow or greenish sputum or phlegm
- Chills
- Wheezing
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Abdominal distension
- High heart beat rate
- Decrease in food intake
- Meningitis symptoms, that is inflammation of brain skin and lethargy
An infant with flu or cold symptoms should consult the health care provider, if he/she does not get better from the symptoms. Pneumonia in infants turns their finger nails, lips and skin turn bluish – gray color. In some children, persistent high fever may be the only symptom of pneumonia.
Treatment of Pneumonia in Infants:
- Bacterial Pneumonia: If pneumonia is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are prescribed by the health care provider. Child starts feeling better within 24 – 48 hours of starting the medication. It is must that the child should complete the course, even if the toddler feels better.
- Viral Pneumonia: Viral pneumonia cannot be treated with antibiotics. Viral infection goes away on its own. Doctor recommends some medications to make child feel better.
Follow the instructions given by the doctor for treating child’s disorder. Infant with weak immune system needs to be hospitalized for short period. Child is given fluids and oxygen to make him/ her feel better.
