Pneumonia in Infants: Everything You Need to Know

Pneumonia in infants is an infection of one or both lungs, also known as a chest infection. Viruses and bacteria can both cause pediatric pneumonia.

The infection causes the small airways in the lungs to swell and produce more mucus (sticky fluid). The mucus clogs the airways, reducing the amount of oxygen that can enter the body.

Pneumonia frequently follows another respiratory infection, like a cold. There may be difficulties associated with pneumonia, but these are uncommon and will be monitored by your doctor.

This essay will help you learn about pneumonia, how it affects infants, treatment options, and the ways that parents and caregivers can manage it.

Pneumonia Mortality Rate in Infants

Pneumonia is the death cause of more children than any other infectious illness, killing about 700,000 children under five each year, or over 2,000 every day. In addition, over 200,000 newborns are included. Almost all of these fatalities could have been avoided.

How do I Know If my Infant Has Pneumonia? (Pneumonia in Infants Symptoms)

• Fast, difficult breathing
• Tiredness, weakness
• Severe, shaking chills
• Cough
• Chest pains, especially when coughing
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Appetite loss
• Fever

How Long Will Pneumonia Symptoms Last?

Pneumonia is a word that describes an illness deep within the lungs. The term indicates where the infection is situated but does not specify what is causing the infection. A variety of bacteria and viruses can cause pneumonia in infants. The type of pneumonia your kid has might determine how long the symptoms linger.

Other factors affecting the time for a child to recover from pneumonia include:

• Their age
• General health, as well as any additional illnesses such as asthma or immune system issues
• How seriously they are hurt and whether there are any issues
• If they receive treatment as soon as possible and how effective it is

However, most children’s pneumonia symptoms will last about 2-4 weeks. You should visit a doctor if your symptoms do not improve or your cough lasts longer than four weeks.

Cause of Pneumonia in Infants

Viruses, bacteria, and fungi are among the infectious agents that cause pneumonia. The following are the most prevalent.

• The most prevalent cause of bacterial pneumonia in children is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
• The second most prevalent cause of bacterial pneumonia is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
• The most prevalent viral cause of pneumonia is respiratory syncytial virus.
• Pneumocystis jiroveci is one of the most prevalent causes of pneumonia in HIV-infected newborns, accounting for at least one-quarter of all pneumonia fatalities in HIV-infected infants.

Is Pneumonia in Infants Contagious?

Pneumonia in infants is infectious and spreads by airborne particles (coughing or sneezing). In addition, bodily fluids, such as blood after delivery or through infected surfaces, can also transmit it.

Pneumonia in Infants Management and Prevention

• Keep your vaccinations up to date. All children should begin a series of immunizations to prevent bacterial pneumonia at two months.
• Even if they have an egg allergy, all children 6 months and older should receive a flu vaccination yearly.
• When sneezing, tell children to cover their mouths and noses with a facial tissue or a sleeve of their shirt and to toss away tissues after use.
• Teach and practice proper hand washing.
• Surfaces often touched (such as toys, tables, and doorknobs) should be washed with soap and water or disinfected.
• Keep smoking out of the house.

If your child has a weaker immune system or is at high risk due to a chronic lung, heart, or kidney illness, ask the child’s health practitioner if additional immunizations are required.

Pneumonia in Infants Treatment

Depending on the type of pneumonia your child has, there are different treatments:

Bacterial Pneumonia in Infants

Antibiotics will be administered if bacteria cause your child’s pneumonia. This drug can be used orally at home in mild episodes of bacterial pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia in children generally improves within 48 hours of starting antibiotics. However, even if your kid appears to be doing well, the entire course of antibiotics must be completed. The treatment will last 3 to 7 days. Your kid may cough for up to three weeks following therapy, but there is nothing to be concerned about if they are otherwise improving.

Children with severe bacterial pneumonia may be brought to the hospital for antibiotics to be administered directly into a vein via a drip. Some kids may also require oxygen or more fluids.

Viral Pneumonia in Infants

Viral pneumonia is frequently milder than bacterial pneumonia. However, recovery time can be up to four weeks. Antibiotics do not cure viruses and are thus not used to treat viral pneumonia.

Pneumonia in Infants Home Treatment

You can typically care for your child at home once a doctor has diagnosed them with mild pneumonia.

• Your kid will require plenty of rest.
• Fluids should be given to your child regularly to prevent dehydration. Give small sips of water to babies and breastmilk or formula more frequently.
• When a child has pneumonia, he or she usually refuses to eat. As long as they are drinking fluids, this is not a concern.
• If antibiotics have been recommended, follow the doctor’s recommendations.
• Older children may find sleeping on a couple of pillows more comfortable rather than resting fully flat.
• If your kid has chest pains or fever and is unhappy, he or she may require pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. You shouldn’t give ibuprofen to kids under three months or to dehydrated children. Children should never be given aspirin. See our info sheet on kid pain treatment.
• Avoid using cough medications. They do not assist children suffering from pneumonia.
• Allow no one to smoke in your home or around your child.
• If you need to return for a review of your child’s recovery, your doctor will notify you.

If your kid gets pneumonia, you should see your doctor again and:

• When they breathe, their breathing becomes harder, or they develop a grunt.
• They grow drowsier or sleepier or are difficult to rouse.
• They start vomiting and can’t drink much.
• If you are concerned about your kid at any point throughout the sickness, or if you have any other questions, please contact us.

Pneumonia in Infants Under 6 Months

Pneumonia may afflict newborns as young as six months old, so it’s critical to recognize the symptoms and get medical assistance immediately. Infants in this age range are more prone to pneumonia due to their immature immune systems and narrower airways.

Antibiotics, oxygen therapy, and intravenous fluids may be used in treatment. In addition, frequent hand washing, avoiding respiratory irritants, and staying up to date on vaccines are all suggested ways to prevent pneumonia. If you fear your newborn has pneumonia, call your doctor immediately for a diagnosis and treatment.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Pneumonia in a Child?

Although you may believe that your child fully recovers once the symptoms have subsided, the effects of pneumonia can last much longer. Children may continue to feel weak and exhausted after the illness has cleared. Their bodies have fought so hard to rid themselves of the virus that they may require some time to return to normal. It will take 6-8 weeks for your youngster to feel normal again.

Pneumonia can potentially have long-term consequences for the lungs. Some youngsters will cough for some time after the virus has cleared up. This is sometimes due to lingering mucus or debris that they need to cough out. It can, however, become a habit.

If your child never coughs when sleeping or concentrating on something else, it might be a habit of coughing. Children just become accustomed to coughing and continue to do so. It’s vital to remember that they’re not doing this intentionally and are typically unaware of what’s happening. A skilled doctor can help your youngster compassionately break this behavior.

Other effects on the lungs may persist after your child has recovered from pneumonia. For example, your kid may occasionally wheeze or feel short of breath. It isn’t usually an indication of anything serious, but if you’re concerned, consult your doctor.

Even though the infection will clear up much faster, it may require months for a child to recover completely from pneumonia. If your kid has difficulties while sick, the healing time might be significantly longer.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Pneumonia in Infants?

Pneumonia is a severe respiratory illness that can affect individuals of all ages but is more hazardous in babies. While many infants recover completely from pneumonia with proper treatment, some may suffer long-term consequences that can impact their health and development.

Scarring of the lungs is one of the most prevalent long-term complications of pneumonia in infants. Scarring can make it difficult for the lungs to function correctly, resulting in breathing difficulties and other respiratory issues. Infants who develop lung scarring may be predisposed to additional respiratory illnesses.

Another long-term impact of pneumonia in infants is developmental delays. This is especially true for infants with severe pneumonia episodes or other underlying health concerns. Delays in development can impair a child’s capacity to learn and grow, necessitating continual intervention and assistance from healthcare experts.

In certain circumstances, pneumonia in infants can progress to more serious consequences, such as sepsis or meningitis. These illnesses can be fatal and need immediate medical attention.

Caregivers for Kids with Pneumonia in Las Vegas

Quality child care is critical for their growth, development, and general well-being. Our dedicated and experienced team of caregivers is committed to delivering outstanding care to children of all ages. In addition, we provide various services to address the individual requirements of each child and family, from babies to school-aged children.

Our caregivers go far and wide to ensure that each child receives the specialized care and attention they need, whether via educational activities, healthy meals, or a safe and entertaining environment. We think every kid deserves the greatest start in life and are dedicated to assisting them in reaching their full potential.

If you’re seeking high-quality care for your child, go no further than our child caregiver service. Please contact us immediately to learn about our services and how we can assist you and your family.