Pneumonia In children, it is an infection that causes the air sacs in the lungs to become inflamed. These air sacs fill with fluid or pus, causing a cough, fever, and chest pain. Pneumonia is often caused by an upper respiratory infection such as the flu that spreads to the lungs. Pneumonia in infants and children is also caused by a bacterial infection verywellhealth.
the reasons
Pneumonia in children is usually caused by a bacterial infection or a virus. In rare cases, babies can also get pneumonia from food, liquid, gas, dust, or mushrooms..
Types of pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia results from a bacterial infection in the lungs. The most common types of bacteria that can lead to pneumonia in children include:
pneumoniae, which can cause pneumococcal disease
Group B strep, a common cause of severe infection in newborns
Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infections of the heart valves and bones
Group A strep, which can also lead to a sore throat
Viral pneumonia
Viral pneumonia usually starts as an upper respiratory tract infection, then spreads to the lungs and causes pneumonia. Respiratory viruses that can cause pneumonia include:
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) It is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under one year of age.
flu viruses
Adenoviruseswhich causes cold-like symptoms.
Viral pneumonia can turn into bacterial pneumonia.
Causes and risk factors for pneumonia
symptoms
Pneumonia is usually characterized by a deep cough and your child is likely to cough up mucus. Infants and children often vomit mucus they have swallowed..
Other common signs of pneumonia in children include:
Fever
chest pain
fatigue
lack of appetite
goose bumps
Headache
malaise
In bacterial pneumonia, these symptoms seem to come on suddenly, while in viral pneumonia, symptoms are more gradual and slowly get worse over time.
treatment
Treatment for bacterial pneumonia includes antibiotics, while viral pneumonia often resolves on its own. If your pediatrician prescribes an antibiotic for your child, be sure to give the entire prescription as directed. It can be tempting to stop treatment once your child starts to feel better, but this can lead to antibiotic resistance and is not recommended.
Home remedies to try include drinking lots of clear liquids like water or broth, using a cool mist humidifier, and trying nasal sprays or saline drops..
