Pediatric Pneumonia Handout

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can make it hard to breathe and cause children to feel very sick. It is a common reason for children to visit the doctor or be hospitalized, especially in children under five years old.

What causes pneumonia?

Pneumonia in children is most often caused by viruses, especially in younger children. The most common viral cause is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, can also cause pneumonia, especially in school-aged children. Sometimes, both viruses and bacteria can be involved.

What are the symptoms?

Common symptoms of pneumonia in children include:

– Fever

– Cough

– Fast or difficult breathing

– Loss of appetite or not eating well

– Tiredness or low energy

Some children may also have:

– Grunting or noisy breathing

– Chest pain (more common in older children)

– Retractions (the skin between the ribs pulls in with each breath)

– Crackling sounds in the chest when breathing (heard by a doctor with a stethoscope)

How is pneumonia diagnosed?

Doctors usually diagnose pneumonia by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam. Sometimes, a chest X-ray or other tests may be needed if the diagnosis is not clear, if the child is very sick, or if they are not getting better after starting treatment. Most of the time, extra tests are not needed for children who are not very sick and can be treated at home.

How is pneumonia treated?

– Viral pneumonia: Most cases in young children are caused by viruses. These usually get better on their own, and antibiotics are not needed.

– Bacterial pneumonia: If a doctor thinks bacteria are causing the pneumonia, antibiotics are prescribed. The first-choice antibiotic for most children is amoxicillin, which is usually taken by mouth. The treatment usually lasts no more than 7 days.

– Supportive care: Children should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take medicine for fever if needed (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if recommended by the doctor).

– Hospital care: Some children may need to be treated in the hospital if they are having trouble breathing, are very young, cannot drink fluids, or are not getting better with treatment.

When to seek medical help

Call the doctor or seek medical care right away if your child:

– Is breathing very fast or has trouble breathing

– Is making grunting noises or pulling in the skin between the ribs when breathing

– Has blue lips or face

– Is very sleepy or hard to wake up

– Cannot drink or keep fluids down

– Is not getting better after a few days of treatment

How can pneumonia be prevented?

– Vaccines: Keeping up to date with childhood vaccines is the best way to prevent many types of pneumonia. Important vaccines include those for Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal vaccine), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), pertussis (whooping cough), influenza (flu), and RSV.

– Good hygiene: Washing hands often and covering coughs and sneezes can help prevent the spread of germs.

– Avoiding smoke: Keeping children away from tobacco smoke can lower the risk of lung infections.

Most children with pneumonia recover fully with proper care. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s health, talk to your healthcare provider.