Although worldwide cases of pneumonia in children have significantly decreased over the years, it continues to be one of the most rampant illnesses in India. Understanding pneumonia-its causes, early diagnosis, and treatment can help parents and pediatric hospitals better manage child health and improve the nation’s health index.
Pneumonia is typically a lung infection. A virus, fungus, or bacterium can cause the air sacs in your child’s lungs to fill with mucus, along with the swelling or inflammation of lung tissues. This makes it difficult for your child to breathe and causes a chronic and also persistent cough, usually accompanied by a fever.
As mentioned, a virus, bacteria, or a fungus can cause pneumonia. The most common causes of pneumonia are:
Doctors classify pneumonia in children in different ways to help choose the best treatment. Here are the main types based on what causes the infection and how the child is affected:
This is the most common form in young children. It’s caused by viruses like:
Children may have symptoms like cough, mild fever, wheezing, and runny nose. Most cases improve with home care, rest, fluids, and fever medication without antibiotics.
This type is usually more severe and comes on quickly with:
This type usually requires antibiotics and close monitoring.
Often seen in older children and teens, atypical pneumonia is milder but longer-lasting. It is caused by organisms like:
Symptoms may include:
This type is sometimes called “walking pneumonia” because children may still be active despite being unwell.
This occurs when food, liquid, or vomit accidentally enters the lungs, often in children who:
It can lead to lung irritation and infection. Treatment may include antibiotics and addressing the underlying cause of aspiration.
Children with weakened immunity, cystic fibrosis, or structural lung issues may have repeated or long-lasting pneumonia. These cases often need:
Signs of pneumonia in infants are difficult to diagnose. It is possible to confuse pneumonia symptoms with the clinical features of flu or also a cold. Therefore, prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional ensures proper diagnosis and treatment, reducing the risk of complications.
Pneumonia treatment for children depends on the type of pneumonia. For example, you can treat bacteria causing pneumonia with antibiotics, while children diagnosed with viral pneumonia usually recover within a few days on their own without antibiotics.
As a parent, protecting your child against diseases is always a top priority. A combination of healthy habits, a nutritional diet plan, and also vaccinations can go a long way in protecting your child from pneumonia.
The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV vaccine)given to newborns and also young children in India, as part of the Universal Immunization Program, considerably helps to protect children from pneumonia and also other pneumococcal diseases.
The best pediatric hospitals in Bangalore provides compassionate care tailored for children with pneumococcal infections and also other diseases. Trust Kinder Hospitals in Bangalore for the best pediatric care in Bangalore. From world-class medical facilities to state-of-the-art infrastructure to treat pneumonia and also other pneumococcal diseases, Kinder Hospitals Bangalore is a name to reckon with. You can also schedule your appointment with us today for a dose of the preventive pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults.
