What is pneumonia in children?
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be mild or serious. Pneumonia is generally more common in children younger than 5 years old.
What causes pneumonia in a child?
Pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria or viruses. Some of these bacteria and viruses can be spread by direct contact with a person who is already infected with them.
Common bacteria and viruses that may cause pneumonia are:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Mycoplasma pneumonia. This often causes a mild form of the illness called walking pneumonia.
- Group B streptococcus.
- Staphylococcus aureus.
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is most often seen in children younger than 5 years old.
- Parainfluenza virus.
- Influenza virus.
- Adenovirus.
In addition, children younger than 1 year old are at risk if they are around secondhand tobacco smoke. This is especially true if their mother smokes.
Which children are at risk for pneumonia?
A child is more likely to get pneumonia if he or she has:
- Weak immune system, such as from cancer.
- Ongoing (chronic) health problem, such as asthma or cystic fibrosis.
- Problems with the lungs or airways.
In addition, children younger than 1 year old are at risk if they are around secondhand tobacco smoke. This is especially true if their mother smokes.
What are the symptoms of pneumonia in a child?
Symptoms may be a bit different for each child. They may also depend on what is causing the pneumonia. Cases of bacterial pneumonia tend to happen suddenly with these symptoms:
- Cough that produces mucus.
- Cough pain.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Tiredness (fatigue).
- Fever.
Early symptoms of viral pneumonia are the same as those of bacterial pneumonia. But with viral pneumonia, the breathing problems happen slowly. Your child may wheeze and the cough may get worse. Viral pneumonia may make a child more at risk for bacterial pneumonia.
In addition to the symptoms listed above, your child may have:
- Chills.
- Fast or hard breathing.
- Headache.
- Fussiness.
The symptoms of pneumonia may look like other health problems. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
How is pneumonia diagnosed in a child?
Your child's healthcare provider can often diagnose pneumonia with a full health history and physical exam. He or she may include these tests to confirm the diagnosis:
- Chest X-ray. This test makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs.
- Blood tests. A blood count looks for signs of an infection. An arterial blood gas test looks at the amount of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood.
- Sputum culture. This test is done on the mucus (sputum) that is coughed up from the lungs and into the mouth. It can find out if your child has an infection. It's not routinely done because it is hard to get sputum samples from children.
- Pulse oximetry. An oximeter is a small machine that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. To get this measurement, the provider tapes a small sensor onto a finger or toe. When the machine is on, a small red light can be seen in the sensor. The sensor is painless and the red light does not get hot.
- Chest CT scan. This test takes images of the structures in the chest. It is very rarely done.
How is pneumonia treated in a child?
Treatment may include antibiotics for bacterial pneumonia. No good treatment is available for most viral pneumonias. They often get better on their own. Flu-related pneumonia may be treated with an antiviral medicine.
Other treatments can ease symptoms. They may include:
- Plenty of rest.
- Getting more fluids.
- Cool mist humidifier in your child's room.
- Acetaminophen for fever and discomfort.
- Medicine for cough.
Some children may be treated in the hospital if they are having severe breathing problems. While in the hospital, treatment may include:
- Antibiotics by IV (intravenous) or by mouth (oral) for bacterial infection.
- IV fluids if your child is unable to drink well.
- Oxygen therapy.
- Frequent suctioning of your child's nose and mouth to help get rid of thick mucus.
- Breathing treatments, as ordered by your child's healthcare provider.
How can I help prevent pneumonia in my child?
Pneumococcal pneumonia can be prevented with a vaccine that protects against 13 types of pneumococcal pneumonia. Doctors recommend that children get a series of shots beginning at age 2 months. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about this vaccine. Another vaccine is available for children older than 2 years who are at increased risk for pneumonia. Talk with your child's healthcare to see if it is recommended for your child. Also make sure your child is up-to-date on all vaccines, including the yearly flu shot. Pneumonia can occur after illnesses such as whooping cough and the flu.
You can also help your child prevent pneumonia with good hygiene. Teach your child to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. Your child should also wash their hands often. These measures can help prevent other infections, too.
Your child can be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. There are 2 types of vaccines that can help prevent pneumococcal disease. The vaccine that is right for your child depends on their age and risk factors. Talk with your child's healthcare provider about which vaccine is best for your child and when they should get it.