When Kids Have Pneumonia What Should Parents Do ?

Pneumonia is an acute infection of the lung parenchyma. The air sacs in the lungs (called alveoli) fill up with pus and secretions, leading to a disorder in the exchange of gases from the blood stream to the lungs, making it difficult for the child to breathe. This is a common and quite dangerous disease in children if not treated promptly. Remember the signs of pneumonia and learn how to prevent the disease to protect your children and parents! 

► WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF PNEUMONIA?  

• Rapid breathing (sometimes, this is the only sign in children)  
• Wheezing;  
• Shortness of breath, labored breathing such as: rising and falling nostrils, chest constriction breathing, intercostal muscle contraction;  
• Fever or chills;  
• Cough;  
• Stuffy nose;  
• Vomiting;  
• Chest pain;  
• Abdominal pain (due to excessive coughing and labored breathing)  
• Loss of appetite or poor appetite, which can lead to dehydration; 
•  In severe cases, children may have cyanosis of the lips or fingertips;  
• If inflammation of the lower lobe of the lung near the abdomen, the child may only have fever with abdominal pain, vomiting but no signs of shortness of breath. 

► CAUSES OF PNEUMONIA? 

• Virus: the most common cause. Children with viral pneumonia will show symptoms gradually and are rarely severe, wheezing is a common symptom. 
• Germs: children with bacterial pneumonia often have rapid and sudden manifestations such as high fever and rapid breathing 
•  Fungi: often on immunodeficiency such as HIV or abnormal innate immune system  
• Parasites: uncommon than. 

 ► WHEN NEED A CHILD SEE ALSO?  

• Children should be examined when showing signs of pneumonia, especially when the child has the following signs:  
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing  
• Cyanosis of the lips or fingertips;  
• High fever > 102°F (38.9°C) (older children), or > 100.4°F (38°C) in children < 6 months old 

► WHAT SHOULD PARENTS DO WHEN KIDS HAVE PNEUMONIA? 

• Rest and drink lots of water.  
• Give your child the full prescription and on time. This will help your child recover from illness and help prevent the spread of germs to other family members.  
• For children who are wheezing, the doctor may give the child a nebulizer or spray. 
•  Monitor the child’s temperature at least once in the morning or every night. 
• Monitor the color of the child’s lips and fingertips, re-examine as soon as there are signs of cyanosis.  

► HOW LONG WILL PNEUMONIA LAST? 

With appropriate treatment, bacterial pneumonia usually resolves within 1-2 weeks. Atypical pneumonia or viral pneumonia lasts longer, with complete resolution of symptoms in about 4-6 weeks. 

► HOW CAN Pneumonia IN CHILDREN BE PREVENTED?  

There are a few ways that can help prevent pneumonia in children. 

• Children should be fully vaccinated, especially Haemophilus influenzae, Pneumococcal, and Pertussis vaccines from the age of 2 months. Some other vaccines help prevent other pathogens that cause pneumonia, such as: Measles (9 months old), or Influenza (children > 6 months), Chickenpox (children > 12 months).  
• Influenza vaccine is recommended for all children > 6 months of age, especially those with chronic medical conditions such as chronic cardiopulmonary disease or asthma.  
• Premature infants should be treated with RSV prophylaxis. 
• Limit contact with people suffering from respiratory diseases: if there are sick people in the family, use separate cups and eating utensils, regularly wash hands with antibacterial soap, especially when in contact with tissues or utensils of a sick person.

Pediatrics Department of American International Clinic (AIH Clinic) provides a full range of Pediatric medical examination and treatment services, including: General health check-up; vaccination; monitor the physical and mental development of children; nutrition counseling and disease diagnosis and treatment services. 

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Consultation And Appointment 
Hotline: 028.3910.9888 
Register for the exam by email: info-clinic@aih.com.vn 
Website: aihclinic.vn 
Or go directly to AIH Clinic: No. 79, Dien Bien Phu, DaKao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam