Pneumonia in Kids

Pneumonia can be quite dangerous and sometimes life threatening also. It is a serious lung infection that is very dangerous for older adults and young children. Read on to learn about the different types of pneumonia, signs and symptoms of pneumonia and tips for preventing pneumonia in kids.Pneumonia is a general term referred to an infection in lungs. It is caused by various microorganisms that include bacteria, viruses, fungi and even parasites. Often pneumonia begins with an infection of the nose and throat and the symptoms of pneumonia can be seen only after 2 – 3 days. In this articleDifferent Types of PneumoniaSigns and Symptoms of PneumoniaWho Are at Risk of Getting Affected with Pneumonia?Pneumonia TreatmentHow to Prevent Pneumonia in KidsContagiousnessDifferent Types of PneumoniaBacterial PneumoniaViral PneumoniaFungal PneumoniaAmong the three, viral pneumonia is common among kids.Signs and Symptoms of PneumoniaSymptoms of pneumonia include:Coughing with mucus which can be green, brown or slight inclusion of bloodFeverWeaknessMuscle weaknessFatigueHeadacheNauseaVomitingLoss of appetiteWheezingDiarrhoeaRapid breathingShortness of breathChest painChillsConvulsions, unconsciousness, lethargyFeeding problem in infantsChest retraction during respiration in kids below the age of 5Who Are at Risk of Getting Affected with Pneumonia? Although anyone can get affected by pneumonia, those who are at greater risk experience or may have experienced following conditions:Poor nutritionExposure to tobacco smokeColdAsthmaInfluenzaDiabetesIndoor or outdoor pollutionPoor shelterOvercrowdingInadequate zinc intakeLack of adequate breastfeeding in infants below the age of six monthsPneumonia TreatmentTreatment of pneumonia depends on the type of infection the person had. If the infection is due to viruses, he or she is treated with antiviral medicines and if the infection is due to bacteria, he or she is given antibiotics.Usually the doctor examines the patient and carries out some tests to distinguish between other health problems. Additional treatment can be considered if there is nominal or no change in the symptoms of the patient in 2 – 3 days. He or she might have to stay in the hospital for a day or two or as recommended by the doctor.How to Prevent Pneumonia in KidsAll of us know that ‘prevention is better than cure’. It is always good to take all precautionary measures especially when it is the case of small kids.Practice good hygiene and healthThorough and frequent hand cleaningUse of handkerchief when coughing and sneezingAvoiding interaction with the sickProviding proper nutritionAdequate restAvoiding smoke of tobacco and other pollutantsIncreasing access to immunizationDecreasingexposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutionKnowledge of warning signs and symptoms to identify infectionBreastfeeding during the first six months is vital to prevent kids from developing pneumonia. It contains all nutrients, antioxidants, antibodies and hormones that a child needs for proper growth and development.There are many vaccines that help prevent pneumonia in kids ContagiousnessSince the viruses and bacteria that cause pneumonia are contagious, necessary precautions must be taken. Being in front of the infected person when he or she sneezes or coughs, sharing of drinking glasses and eating utensils or touching the used tissues of the infected person must be avoided.Pneumonia is a leading cause of death of children below the age of 5 all over the world. However, in developed countries the number of such cases is less because they have access to proper treatment. On the other hand if parents are educated about the symptoms and they know how to prevent pneumonia in kids, lot of more cases can be subsided perhaps in their first stage only.What are the common signs and symptoms of pneumonia in kids? What are the causes of pneumonia in kids? How to prevent pneumonia in kids? Discuss here.